Gov. Cuomo Makes New Full-Day Pre-K Funding Top Priority
Albany, NY – A coalition of early childhood, education and community organizations, the Ready for Kindergarten, Ready for College Campaign, praised Governor Cuomo’s emphasis on the need for investment in expanding Pre-K programs in his State of the State address today. Last week, the Governor’s New York Education Reform Commission recommended the expansion of quality Pre-K programs through the creation of a statewide full-day Pre-K program in its preliminary report. The new full-day Pre-K funding, including a focus on program quality, would be the first state sponsored full-day Pre-K program in the New York.
“One of the most effective ways to reform education is through investment in Pre-K, especially full-day programs,” said Billy Easton, Executive Director, Alliance for Quality Education. “By putting full-day Pre-K on the map and targeting the investment to high need schools, it’s clear that Governor Cuomo has heard some of the most critical needs of the children of New York. The proposal will build on the long-standing commitment to universal Pre-K that Speaker Sheldon Silver championed and will help make New York State a national leader in early childhood education. ”
“Investing in quality early learning for our kids is proven to be very smart both educationally and economically,” said Karen Scharff, Executive Director of Citizen Action of New York. “When children are ready for Kindergarten, their chances at success skyrocket, and our communities will see a significant return on the investment.”
“Governor Cuomo has made it clear that our youngest learners should be a key priority for New York State,” said Nancy Kolben, Executive Director, Center for Children’s Initiatives. “We look forward to working with the Governor and the Legislature to make sure that this initiative comes to the front of Albany’s legislative agenda this year.”
“There is strong and significant research that shows that high quality early childcare and learning improves educational outcomes, reduces disparities and saves money,” said Kate Breslin, of the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy and WinningBeginning NY. “The Governor’s plan to expand full-day Pre-K is a strong first step to reaching at-risk children early for lasting impact. We are eager to work with policymakers to ensure that the state makes sound investments in high quality early education.”
“Governor Cuomo has embraced the critical role early education plays in our children’s educational foundation, acknowledging that success in school is determined largely by the experiences children have before they start Kindergarten,” said Dana E. Friedman, Ed.D., Founder and President, The Early Years Institute. “With investment in full-day Pre-K, especially in high needs districts, we’ll be able to ensure that our most vulnerable children will have more opportunities, putting them on a stronger path to school readiness.”
###