Wants Space For Pre-K
To The Editor:

As one of the original proponents of universal pre-k, I read with great interest the recent editorial titled, "Free Up Universal Pre-k $" [Gazette, Jan. 9, 2008]. I certainly agree that the benefits a full-day pre-k program can have on a child are innumerable. This is why I supported last year's budget which provided $146 million in new pre-k funding, bringing the total statewide pre-k budget to $446 million. New York City is receiving more than half of this money. However, due to overcrowding, space is not always available during the regular school year to accommodate the number of children who want to attend a pre-k program.

This is why a number of years ago, I established the first of its kind summer-prek demonstration program in New York State. This demonstration program afforded 600 children the opportunity to participate in a summer pre-k program if they were unable to do so during the regular school year. The result was about equal to the present half-day regular school year program.

This program was such a success that I made sure it became law. Now, if a school district does not have the space for a pre-k program during the school year, they can establish a summer pre-k program. Additionally, I also included in the law the ability of a not-for-profit to offer a pre-k program, paid for by the state, as long as they meet all the same requirements as a local school. In Western Queens many pre-k programs exist in not-for-profits at no charge to the children. Unfortunately, [Schools] Chancellor [Joel] Klein still has yet to heed the call and initiate new school construction to accommodate the great need for universal pre-k. The state, in its new building aid formula, will pay for over 50 percent of the cost of such construction.

I urge everyone concerned about the best education opportunities to write the Governor [Eliot Spitzer] and urge him to advocate that universal pre-k be part of the Contracts for Excellence. Sincerely, Ivan C. Lafayette Member of Assembly 34th District, Jackson Heights