An initiative now has the funds to help expand pre-kindergarten programs across Long Island.
New York State awarded the Long Island Pre-K Initiative $475,000 to expand the partnership between school districts and community groups to provide schooling for young children in the region.
The expansion will be run by Nassau BOCES.
State Senator Monica Martinez helped secure the funding.
“As a former educator, one of the things I have always seen is you definitely see the difference between a child that had early intervention, early education, versus a student that has not and unfortunately sometimes certain students have special needs that are not even recognized until later in their lives.”
Only 10% of 4-year olds on Long Island have full-day access to state-funded pre-K programs.
Some school districts want to allow 3-year olds to enroll as the programs grow.