Universal Pre-Kindergarten
Origin: Partnership between New York City Department of Education, Office of the Mayor, Office of Management &
Budget, and Administration for Children’s Services
Link: Click here
Summary: Launched in 2014 by the Office of Management & Budget, Department of Education, Administration for
Children’s Services, and Office of the Mayor, the City of New York has implemented a truly universal, free, and fullday pre-kindergarten system that provides every 4 year-old with a high quality early childhood education.
Talking Points & Important Information:
• Research has proven that high-quality pre-kindergarten is among the most effective ways to reduce economic
inequality. In fact, children who participate in high-quality pre-K programs require less special education and are
less likely to repeat a grade or need child welfare services. Once these children – regardless of original socioeconomic status – enter the labor force, their incomes are higher and, through taxes, contribute to society in
larger sums.
• Both as juveniles and as adults, these children are less likely to engage in criminal activity.
• For more on pre-K programs, click here and here. And to learn more about New York City’s Pre-K For All, click
here.
2015 POLICY BOOK
SCHOOL
INTRO
BOARD
LEVEL
PAGE 56