Early Childhood: Critical Beginnings

Accomplishments

• Last year's $146 million increase in funding for universal PreK increased enrollment by 50% for a total of 93,000 children. Programs also grew by 50%; there are now 397 programs statewide.

• Regents authorized mid-year start up resulting in 6 new programs and 14 expanded programs in January 2008.

• SED worked with other State agencies to encourage school districts to start programs; worked with districts to streamline the process and ensure greater participation.

Build on this Success in 2008-09

Support Executive's Proposals

• Increase of $79 million

• Incentives for schools to implement full-day kindergarten programs

Support Regents Proposals

• Flexibility in PreK aid to support full-day programs
  
  
• Aid for transportation costs for PreK students
  
  
• Require full-day kindergarten: Acquiring academic skills and knowledge by age 6 correlates with later academic success
  
  
• Lower the compulsory school age from 6 to 5

Support Recommendations

• Temporary Task Force on Preschool Special Education

Counties Offering PreK Programs in All School Districts ("Universal PreK")
Allegany	Oswego
Chemung	Rockland
Montgomery	Schuyler
Orleans	Yates