Gov. Phil Murphy says New Jersey will institute universal pre-kindergarten across the state for all 3- and 4-year-olds.

Murphy has increased state funding for pre-K since he took office in 2018 by 35%, but the pledge Thursday will expand the availability of early childhood education.

So far in the state, 140 of New Jersey’s roughly 600 districts have state-funded pre-K programs.

"Investing in Pre-K is how we intend to keep New Jersey a national leader in every field. Today, our 3- and 4-year-old scholars are learning what it means to be a part of a classroom of students. How to listen to their teachers, how to cooperate and share with their peers. It starts here by building stronger and fairer foundations for lifelong learning,” Murphy said.

It was unclear how long the expansion will take, and the governor didn’t specify a timeline.

The state Department of Education has been tasked with making a plan to meet the goal.