The proposal would require public preschool programs to treat twins and other multiples as a single unit during enrollment and give parents greater control over classroom placement.
TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at making preschool enrollment easier for families with twins, triplets, and other multiple-birth siblings.
Assembly Bill 5218 would require public preschool programs that use lotteries or open enrollment systems to treat twins and higher-order multiples as a single unit during the admissions process.
Key Points
• Bill would prevent preschool lotteries from separating twins and triplets
• Parents could choose whether siblings are placed in the same or separate preschool classrooms
• Children could not be assigned to different preschool providers without parental consent
Under the proposal, twins and higher-order multiples would either be selected together or placed on a waiting list together when applying for public preschool programs.
The legislation would also prohibit districts from assigning siblings to different schools or licensed preschool providers unless the parents specifically request separate placements.
Parents would gain classroom choice
The bill expands an existing New Jersey law that currently allows parents of twins and higher-order multiples in kindergarten through eighth grade to request whether their children are placed together or in separate classrooms.
Under the proposal, those same rights would be extended to preschool students.
Parents would be able to request either shared or separate classroom placement based on what they believe is best for their children’s educational and social development.
Addressing preschool enrollment challenges
Supporters say the legislation addresses a common frustration among parents of twins and triplets, particularly in districts where preschool seats are awarded through lotteries and partnerships with multiple preschool providers.
Without the proposed protections, siblings could potentially receive different enrollment outcomes or be assigned to separate preschool locations, creating logistical challenges for families.
The bill also applies to public preschool programs operated by licensed child care providers that maintain multiple classrooms, allowing parents to request either joint or separate classroom placements.
Existing safeguards remain
School officials would retain authority to deny a requested placement if it conflicts with a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or if other statutory exceptions apply.
The legislation was introduced by Assemblyman Gregory McGuckin and Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia and would first apply beginning with the first full school year following enactment.