Pre-School Funding Must be Utilized by New York City

By Neal Tepel 

Numerous studies demonstrate that investing in high quality early childhood education provide large benefits to children and communities. Those youngsters that participate in pre-school education are more likely to achieve success in life. Adults that have not had the opportunity to begin schooling at an early age are more likely to commit crimes later on. With funding for pre kindergarten programs allocated by New York State and space available in day care and head start centers many more 3 and 4 year old children can be provided with early schooling. The High Scope/Perry Preschool study documented a return to society of more than $17 for every tax dollar invested in high-quality early childhood care and education.  

Data from the long-term studies often conclude the following:  

Crime prevention gains: Children denied high quality pre-K are four times more likely to be arrested for drug felonies in their lifetime; more than twice as likely to become "career criminals; twice as likely to be arrested three or more times for a violent crime; and almost seven times more likely to be arrested for possession of dangerous drugs.  

Educational gains: Children participating in programs are less likely to repeat a grade; more likely to graduate from high school; and more likely to score higher on various intellectual and language tests during their early childhood years.  

Economic gains: As adults, children who participated in early childhood programs are more likely to be employed; more likely to earn higher wages; and more likely to own their own home and have a savings account.  

Governor Spitzer and the legislature added a total of $146 million for preschool in this year's budget in the first year of an intended multiyear expansion. Spitzer has made providing preschool to all 4-year-olds a priority. The money has already been allocated on a district-by-district basis throughout the state but communities have had difficulties accessing the funds.  The New York State Education Department, which administers the Pre-K funds, needs to do a better job assisting the localities in utilizing the dollars.

To the Mayors credit he has set up an Early Education Policy Steering Committee to ensure that there is greater coordination among City agencies. The Mayor appears committed to maximize UPK funding so as many four-year olds as possible can be enrolled. Since space is limited in public schools, day care and head start centers become an essential vehicle for program delivery. However, the City Department of Education must simplify the process for community based organizations offering technical support and more flexible funding guidelines. Day care and head start centers should have the ability start programs as needed. In order for CBO’s to operate successfully, funding must continue to supplement and not supplant other sources revenue.  

"While there are great challenges in utilizing the millions of  dollars allocated to New York City, “ said Executive Director Raglan George, “day care centers and other early childhood programs must be provided the necessary assistance in completing applications and modifying facilities so as many 3 and 4 year olds as possible can benefit from this state funding”.  “Community leaders and public officials need to do whatever it takes so every youngster is provided with a quality education in preparation for life.”