New York state has set aside $5 million to expand pre-kindergarten programs in some school districts.Governor Andrew Cuomo said the money is intended for pre-kindergarten programs for three or four-year-old students at high-need school districts who do not have a state funded pre-k class. Cuomo announced the initiative in January which was included in his budget proposal and later approved by lawmakers. Funding for districts will be renewed each year, provided the programs meet all requirements. The state Education Department will administer the grant and expects to announce awards sometime this fall. Some national studies show children who participate in early childhood education programs have higher test scores from their toddler years to age 21, including higher achievements in both reading and math. Studies also show these children are more likely to attend a four-year college and eventually get a full-time job.
