September 1, 2014
By Neal Tepel
New York, NY – According to the New York City Mayors Office, 50,407 children have been enrolled for full-day pre-K programs. Last year, only 20,000 children received full-day pre-K. All summer long, teams of canvassers and enrollment specialists have worked to connect with families of 4-year-olds and assist them with finding the right programs for their children. Based on these latest figures, the City is on target to enroll 53,000 children in pre-K by the October 1st deadline for final registration.
The launch of Pre-K for All has been the focus of a major interagency effort. Coordinated by the Department of Education, it included FDNY, Health Department, Buildings Department, Department of Investigations, and the Administration for Children’s Services.
“We have great classrooms that have been pored over and prepared at every level. We have great teachers who have received extra training and support. And today, it’s clear we have the children who are ready to learn. Because of this incredible effort by educators, advocates, parents and agencies, 30,000 more children and their families will have this life-changing opportunity. That’s what this has always been about,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Parents can apply or inquire about pre-K at nyc.gov/prek, by calling 311, or by texting ‘prek’ to 877877.
