Governor Hochul Announces Nearly $12 Million in Pre-K Funding Delivered Across New York

Governor Hochul announced $11.7 million delivered across New York to expand access to pre-K for four-year-old children. The FY 2023 Enacted Budget included $125 million to expand access to full-day pre-K, creating up to 17,500 additional pre-K seats statewide. Of this $125 million, $11.7 million was awarded today through a competitive process administered by the State Education Department.

"Providing opportunities for quality pre-K education sets up children, parents, and caretakers for success, and I'm proud to deliver this important investment for families across the state," Governor Hochul said. "This funding will help children in their most important stages of development and growth. As a mother, I've seen how essential these resources are and my administration is committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed in New York."

The FY 2023 Enacted Budget provided a record $31.5 billion in total school aid for school year 2023 and more than doubled the State's investment in child care with $7 billion in funding over four years. These commitments mark a historic investment in school funding and child care.

School districts awarded funding include:

• Buffalo City School District, $2,500,000
• Long Beach City School District, $1,495,000
• Wappingers Central School District, $1,495,000
• Peekskill City School District, $1,059,101
• Ossining Union Free School District, $720,000
• Newfane Central School District, $470,983
• Haverstraw-Stony Point Central School District, $440,528
• Bellmore Union Free School District, $350,000
• Pembroke Central School District, $307,615
• Williamson Central School District, $303,619
• Eden Central School District, $257,328
• Hannibal Central School District, $245,000
• Watervliet City School District, $233,806
• Weedsport Central School District, $219,898
• Cassadaga Valley Central School, $203,283
• Batavia City School District, $200,000
• Avon Central School District, $200,000
• Cohoes City School District, $180,000
• Duanesburg Central School District, $180,000
• Northville Central School District, $150,000
• Wyoming Central School District, $140,000
• Genesee Valley Central School District, $140,000
• Elba Central School District, $117,760
• Canajoharie Central School District, $83,967

New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, "When we strengthen supports and provide equitable opportunities for children in their early years, we see the benefits throughout their school years and beyond.Department is committed to expanding full-day prekindergarten programs that provide a strong educational foundation for our children, resulting in positive long-term outcomes."

Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, "Providing high-quality educational opportunities to our youngest learners is crucial for their future success. Creating and expanding prekindergarten programs allows more children to benefit from early learning that will help them build the skills needed to thrive in school and life."

State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, "The $12 million for pre-K funding that has been awarded today is an exciting step in the grand total of $125 million that is included in the FY 2023 Enacted Budget. This is a historic investment that will change the lives of children and families across New York State. It will open doors for students and give them resources to excel. As Chair of the Education Committee, I am proud of the work the New York State Senate has done to ensure and promote opportunities for children across the state and I will continue to work with my colleagues to expand access and improve implementation."

Additional pre-K funding will be available later this fiscal year through another competitive award process that will be administered by the State Education Department. School districts seeking to start or expand their pre-K offerings are encouraged to apply.