All 4-year-olds in New York will have access to universal pre-K by the start of the 2028-29 school year under increased state funding.
The funding is part of the state’s $4.5 billion investment in child care and pre-K programs statewide, approved by the state Legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul in the state budget on May 27.
The bill will make UPK programs available to all 4-year-olds in the state, launch pilot programs for 3-year-olds, help expand free child care for 2-year-olds and universal 3-K access in New York City.
What Lower Hudson Valley schools think of UPK funding in NY budget
The measure has been viewed as a lifeline for sustaining and creating UPK programs, especially in the Lower Hudson Valley, where some districts have struggled to offer the service because of long-stagnant state aid rates.
About 25 of Westchester’s 40 districts currently offer UPK programs. All eight school districts in Rockland and four of six in Putnam also provide UPK.
Most programs rely heavily on state aid, with few districts supplementing the funding on their own.
The projected funding increase has already prompted some districts to consider expanding their programs, while others are still weighing their options.
School districts are still grappling with how to implement the policy shift. Major concerns include limited space, the cost of staffing, and the added administrative responsibilities that come with overseeing outside agencies.
District leaders previously said one potential model would be to establish regional centers serving students from multiple districts.
Helu Wang covers economic growth, real estate and education for The Journal News/lohud and USA Today Network. Reach her at hwang@gannett.com and follow her @helu.wangny on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NY budget passes universal pre-K funding. How it impacts local schools
Reporting by Helu Wang, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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