Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Division: Teaching and Learning

Office: LEAR

View Published NGO Document (Microsoft Word)  

Purpose: 

The Funding for Optimal Comprehensive Universal Screeners (FOCUS) grant aims to continue to support LEAs to adopt and implement high-quality universal literacy screeners that align with the Universal Literacy Screening Criteria as outlined in the guidance provided by the Department to meet the screening requirements in    kindergarten through grade 3 (K-3) according to State law.

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has established a twelve (12) month continuation year 2 grant program. This grant program is open to all New Jersey Local Education Agencies (LEAs) that serve grades K-3 that received funding in year one. Please refer to Appendix A of the NGO for a list of eligible LEAs and maximum award amounts.

Based on the availability of FY26 state appropriations, this grant program will begin June 1, 2026, and will end on May 31, 2027. 

Eligible Agencies: All public LEAs that received FOCUS 1

Grant Type: Continuation

Number of Award(s) Anticipated: 277

Total Amount Available: $1,862,800

Application Due Date: 04/30/2026