The state school-funding formula, passed by the state Legislature in January, expands voluntary full-day preschool to poor children throughout the state, beyond the Abbott districts. An estimated 30,000 more children could gain access to free preschool over the next five years at a cost of about $330 million. If the anticipated 20 percent of eligible students attend in 2009-2010, the cost would be about $66 million.

Fairfield, a poor district in rural Cumberland County, was one of five districts approved to expand preschool this year. Other districts began submitting plans to the state last Friday, but superintendents still have one big question: Can the cash-strapped state afford more preschool?

"As long as it's funded, we'll do it," said Joseph Cirrinicione, superintendent in Lower Township, echoing the sentiments of every superintendent interviewed. "We can't do it without state money."

Lower Township is one of 82 districts statewide that must offer universal preschool to all 3- and 4-year-olds. Districts with at least 40 percent of children who are considered low-income must offer preschool services to all children, regardless of income. All other districts must target just low-income children. The state will pay between $11,500 and $12,934 per child.

Cirrinicione estimates his full-day preschool for 185 4-year-olds will cost about $2.1 million. The district has space, but will need seven new teachers and seven aides.

At the New Jersey School Boards Conference last month, Gov. Jon S. Corzine said he was committed to expanding preschool, but was concerned about the timing and the budget.

"I don't want to walk away from initiatives," he said. "But we might stretch them out."

School officials said they'd rather wait another year than be told in July to start in September. They worry that preschool might be funded by cutting other aid.

"We don't want to do preschool at the expense of other programs," Cirrinicione said.

W. Steven Barnett, director of the National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers, said the state should fund districts that are ready, but give more time to those who are not, to assure all children get quality programs and make the best use of limited funds.

Barnett suggested any federal stimulus funds could be used to help schools since many have building projects ready to go. The state has made preschool one of the priorities for $1 billion approved for new construction.

The easiest transitions are in districts that already offer half-day preschool and have the space to expand. Galloway Township will use space at the Oceanville and Pomona schools next year. Egg Harbor City's addition at the Charles L. Spragg School will provide extra classrooms. Mullica Township has space, but may partner with a private school or another district if enrollment exceeds estimates.

Those that need space are looking at all options. Absecon plans to contract with the private Kids Academy.

Middle Townships needs five classrooms and is contacting other districts and private schools.

Somers Point has a full-day program for 4-year-olds, but must find outside space for three-year-olds. The district is required to offer preschool only to low-income children but has used other aid to fund it for all rather than favor one group.

"It is an issue for parents to have preschool targeted only for some children," superintendent Gerald Toscano said, echoing a concern expressed by several school officials.

Hamilton Township can expand to full-day next year, but only for low-income children. Superintendent Michelle Cappelluti said offering it to others may depend on how many children enroll.

In Egg Harbor Township, which has no room for full-day kindergarten, acting superintendent Scott McCartney said they may contract private schools to accommodate an estimated 335 3- and 4-year-olds, but he wants a plan that also addresses kindergarten.

The state is encouraging private partnerships, a practice common in many Abbott districts, but schools must meet state regulations. William Beyers, of Barbarito and Beyers Preschools in Mays Landing, has talked to several districts but the state funding crisis makes it difficult to commit. He said some preschools are worried about being put out of business if public schools keep most of the preschoolers, which would jeopardize needed infant and toddler programs.

"There will either be a shortage of infant and toddler programs, or prices will go up tremendously," he said.

E-mail Diane D'Amico:

DDamico@pressofac.com