A RECOVERY FOR ALL OF US: MAYOR DE BLASIO, CHANCELLOR PORTER, ANNOUNCE MAJOR EXPANSION OF 3-K FOR ALL TO REACH EVERY DISTRICT BY THIS FALL

 

City, in partnership with City Council, will expand free, full-day, high-quality early childhood education to an additional 16,500 three-year-olds across New York City 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter today announced that in partnership with City Council, 3-K for All will expand to the remaining sixteen community school districts in the 2021-22 school year – bringing free, full-day, high-quality 3-K to up to 16,500 more three-year-olds across New York City. By this fall, the City will support approximately 40,000 3-K seats across all 32 community school districts.   

In addition to expanding to School Districts 1, 12, 14, and 29 this fall as previously announced, the City will expand to offer 3-K to as many families as possible in the remaining sixteen school districts: 2, 3, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28 and 30. 3-K is already offered to every three-year-old in School Districts 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 19, 23, 27, 31, and 32. 

 

“3K has been invaluable for so many kids and working families across our city,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Now, as we build a recovery for all of us, we are bringing 3K to every district across our city, giving more kids the quality head start they need to grow and thrive.” 

 

“Providing a high-quality education to every New York City student starts with our youngest children, and I’m thrilled to expand 3-K for All to reach every district citywide and bring access to thousands more three-year-olds and their families during this critical time,” said Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter. “These programs provide children with an invaluable head start in school and life, and I encourage families to explore the 3-K and Pre-K for All options available in their communities and apply.” 

 

"Early childcare education is one of the best investments we can make as a city, and this accelerated expansion of 3k is going to help make New York City a leader in this important field. More work remains, but this Council is proud of the cooperation and innovation that went into making this program a reality. We thank the de Blasio administration for being our partners in this effort. This is great news for families,” said Council Speaker Corey Johnson. 

  

Like Pre-K for All, 3-K for All relies on the partnership of community-based organizations, including Head Start programs, child care agencies, and family child care providers. The timing of the expansion aligns with the culmination of the City’s historic commitment to achieve pay parity for certified early childhood education teachers by October 2021, a goal which is on track to be met. Achieving a pathway to pay parity between early childhood educators in community-based organizations and those working in district schools completes the promise made by the Mayor and City Council to the provider community during summer 2019, as part of agreements with District Council 37, the Day Care Council of New York, and the Head Start Sponsoring Board Council, as well as a commitment to non-represented teachers. Certified teachers saw phased-in wage increases beginning in October 2019. Non-certified teachers and support staff have also seen increases in compensation. 

 

3-K for All is the nation’s most ambitious effort to provide universal, free, full-day, high-quality early childhood education for every three-year-old child and builds on the success of Pre-K for All. High-quality 3-K helps to make sure children are prepared for kindergarten and have a strong start in school and life.  

 

"3-K has proven to be an absolutely vital service in communities across our city, and I'm glad to see it continue to expand to bring this resource to all New Yorkers,” said Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. “I thank the Mayor and newly-appointed Chancellor Porter for recognizing this need as we begin to build a recovery from the pandemic, to make this investment in educating our children and supporting our families as we must pursue a Renewed Deal for New York." 

 

"I applaud the expansion of 3K for all.  I'm especially pleased to see two Bronx school districts included, one of which, District 10 is among the city's most overcrowded and has a very high number of children living in homeless shelters.  Early education is the foundation for learning.  Getting a strong, early start sets the stage for continued learning and success.  The more children who are served by 3K, the better for the future of all," said Council Member Fernando Cabrera.