New York City, NY

This year, New York City pioneered Pre-K for All, expanding early education from just over 20,000 students to more than 53,000 children in year 1 of implementing truly universal preschool. The City secured $300 million in state funding for the expanded pre-kindergarten program, which offers free, full-day, high-quality education for four-year-olds. These classes lay a solid foundation for future success by offering instruction advancing comprehensive State preschool Learning Standards, aligned to K-12 expectations. Children are exposed to a wide range of books, learn new vocabulary, develop early math skills, and grow socially through developmentally appropriate, hands on activities and positive interactions with other students and teachers. In the fall of 2014, over 53,000 preschoolers enrolled in 1,700 high-quality, full-day pre-kindergarten programs and the city is working to serve all eligible four-year-olds next school year.