Gov. Cuomo Announces Plans For Pre-K For 3-Year-Olds

Three-year-old children in high need communities across New York State could soon have access to Pre-K classes.

Governor Cuomo is outlining his pilot program that commits $25 million to more than 250 eligible school districts.

Cuomo says giving children access to early learning opportunities gives them an advantage when they move on to elementary, high school and college, because studies show 90% of brain development occurs between birth and age five.

“Early learning opportunities can have a tremendous impact on a child’s achievements in life – both during the formative years and over the long-run,” Governor Cuomo said. “By funding pre-k for three year olds in high-need communities, we can begin to shrink the achievement gap and set those students on the path to success from an even younger age.”

 

The National Institute for Early Education Research says children who participate in in high quality early childhood education programs have higher cognitive test scores from toddler years to age 21, higher academic achievement in both reading and math, and are most likely to attend a four-year college and become gainfully employed.

Governor Cuomo announced this program as a way to build his $1.5 million dollar investment in all-day Pre-K programs across the state.

For more on the Governor's announcement, visit his web page.