The Syracuse City School District signed onto the universal pre-K program almost immediately, according to early childhood program coordinator Chris Vogelsang. She said the program has allowed the district to expand the number of children it serves. Legislative Background New York enacted legislation in 1997 to establish the Universal Pre-K for all 4 year olds in certain eligible districts. Current research has shown a correlation between early learning and improved educational outcomes of students. No districts reported any opposition from the community.
Collaboration works .
Nearly 70 percent of districts placed more than the required 10 percent of their classroom slots in community-based early education programs. The report said that fears of competitive strains and overt opposition from local providers appear not to have materialized. Parents involved . Most districts reported that parents were eager participants. Ninety-five percent of districts said that participation of parents in the implementation process was important.