City sets aside dollars for more full-day Pre-K

Original article in The New York Times/WNYC's SchoolBook by Yasmeen Khan.

More New York City children could have access to full-day pre-kindergarten programs starting next school year, especially children in the neediest neighborhoods.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott announced Monday that the city plans to add 4,000 full-day seats for the youngest students entering school in September, 2013, at a cost to the city of $20 million.

Walcott said the demand has increased for full-day pre-kindergarten rather than the 2.5-hour half-day program, which can present a scheduling and daycare challenge for many families. He said the lack of options for full-day pre-K has deterred some families from enrolling their children in an early childhood program altogether.

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