Senator Klein Announces 50 New Universal Pre-Kindergarten Programs to Open in the Bronx – More Than 2,600 New Seats Added, Over 1,000 Seats Converted to Full Day Instruction

661 New UPK Seats in Hunts Point, Soundview, Castle Hill, Country Club and Throggs Neck; 470 in Riverdale/Kingsbridge; 535 in Woodlawn, Pelham Parkway, Morris Park and City Island

Klein Urges Bronx Families With Eligible Young Children to Register Ahead of April 24th Deadline

BRONX, NY - Following the launch of the Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) 2015-2016 open enrollment period, Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) today announced 50 new UPK programs have been added in the Bronx with more than 2,600 new seats available and over 1,000 half-day seats now converted to full-day instruction. Senator Klein urged parents with eligible children to register as soon as possible to secure their place ahead of the April 24th deadline.

“By ensuring our youngest students have access to a high-quality education, we are investing in a brighter future for all New Yorkers,” said Senator Klein. “Today, I’m proud to say that more than 2,600 four-year-old students will now have the opportunity to attend pre-K in the Bronx and more than 1,000 students will receive full day instruction this fall. Making sure our youngest students, regardless of background or socioeconomic status, have access to a first-rate education is paramount. That's why I've fought long and hard to implement and now expand pre-K programs in the Bronx and across New York City.”

UPK programs in the Bronx, which are available through New York City district schools, charter schools and NYC Early Education Centers, added 661 new seats in Hunts Point, Soundview, Castle Hill, Country Club and Throggs Neck; 470 new seats in Riverdale/Kingsbridge; and 535 in Woodlawn, Pelham Parkway, Morris Park and City Island. Additionally, this year, all half-day district pre-K programs were converted to full-day, bringing the total of full-day UPK enrollment in the Bronx to more than 7,000 students.

District 8 UPK Expansion: Hunts Point, Soundview, Castle Hill, Country Club,Throggs Neck

District 10 UPK Expansion: Riverdale/Kingsbridge

District 11 UPK Expansion: Woodlawn, Pelham Parkway, Morris Park, City Island

"This outcome is a win-win for City Island residents.  After months of waiting, our small community now has the same access to City services that many other residents enjoy,” said John Doyle, Corresponding Secretary of the City Island Civic Association. “Furthermore, we have protected the former St. Mary's school building from being sold down the road. I want to thank Senator Klein, as well as the staff of the Archdiocese's office for listening to our concerns and helping get us to this point."

"The Women of Woodlawn thank Senator Klein for his commitment to providing pre-Kindergarten to all Bronx students. Expansion of the program has been an issue near and dear to my heart for some time, and I applaud the Senator’s efforts in making this a reality,” said Erin Lee, President of the Women of Woodlawn. “I am thrilled the parents and families of Woodlawn will now have the opportunity to enroll their children this fall, and I look forward to seeing our youngest students learn, grow and prosper in the coming years.”

In 2014, Senator Klein secured $300 million in the state budget to fully fund Universal Pre-Kindergarten in New York City. Klein released a report that same year, detailing a $3.7 billion return on investment for the implementation of the program across the five boroughs. New York City’s long-term economic benefits include: (1) increased earnings by those who attend full-day pre-K, (2) a citywide drop in crime and incarceration rates, and (3) a sharp reduction in mental health issues and substance abuse rates among those who complete a full-day pre-K program.

Universal Pre-Kindergarten enrollment began on March 16th and will run through April 24th, 2015. All children born in 2011 who live in New York City are encouraged to apply and are eligible for September 2015 enrollment. Dual language and enhanced language instruction programs are available to all students. Families wishing to register can visit nyc.gov/prek, call 311, or visit a Family Welcome Center nearby.