WNYC: City Sees Spike in Pre-K Applications

WNYC: City Sees Spike in Pre-K Applications

By BETH FERTIG

The city says more families than usual are applying for pre-k seats in public schools. So far, 21,700 applications have come in, a 27 percent increase over the same time last year.

Sophia Pappas, Executive Director for Department of Education’s Office of Early Childhood Education, attributes the increase to Mayor Bill de Blasio’s plan to provide universal, full-day prekindergarten.

“I would say it’s all the excitement and momentum around getting more full-day pre-K in the city,” she said.

The application numbers are just for public schools, not pre-k programs at community-based organizations. The city is currently reviewing proposals from schools and community organizations seeking to expand the number of children they can serve for a full day. Many currently only provide half-day programs, which are not considered sufficient for working families.

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http://www.wnyc.org/story/city-sees-spike-pre-k-applications/