Requires school district to provide majority of preschool pupil placements at licensed child care provider programs.

New Jersey's S 2229 requires school districts receiving preschool education aid to place at least half of preschool students in licensed child care programs, rather than in district-run programs or Head Start. This directly affects school districts funded through the state's preschool aid program, mandating they secure sufficient placements at licensed providers. Districts may apply for a Department of Education waiver if licensed child care options are unavailable locally, providing justification for the request. The bill aims to increase access to licensed early childhood education settings while allowing flexibility for districts facing limited provider capacity.