There is a lot going on in early childhood education news in New York and other states! Here are our top picks for this week. Happy reading!

New York:

Universal Pre-K’s Startling Discovery – Crain’s New York Business

Mayor Bill de Blasio has portrayed his signature prekindergarten program as an antidote for inequality and a major benefit to lower-income parents. Last week, an academic study cast it in a new light by stating that about half of the new pre-K centers' students would have otherwise enrolled in private programs.

A Tale of Two Pre-K's – The Atlantic

Mayor Bill de Blasio’s signature initiative to expand full-day pre-kindergarten is creating an average of 41 new slots per 100 children ages 2 to 5 living in affluent neighborhoods compared to 30 seats in lower-income areas, according to University of California Berkeley education researchers.

City Head Start Programs Get Federal Boost – NY1

Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announce more than $9 million in grants for early childhood education programs here in the city.

Pre-K Push Is Up Against Citywide Space Crunch, Deputy Mayor Says – Chalkbeat NY

As the city looks to expand its pre-kindergarten offerings for a second straight year, Deputy Mayor Richard Buery said they are using real estate brokers and scouring space in public school buildings to come up with room — and hoping more charter schools eventually choose to operate programs.

Across the Country:

United Way Advocates for Pre-K – Standard Speaker

The path to educational success for Pennsylvania’s children begins even before the doors open on the first day of kindergarten. That is why the United Way has been advocating for early learning through our Success by Six initiative.

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Again Proposes Universal Pre-K – Lehigh Valley Live

U.S. Senator Bob Casey is making another push to provide a year of universal pre-kindergarten to American children. The voluntary program would include a focus on special needs children and kids from low-income families.

Why the Fight for Pre-K Matters – Minn Post

Minnesota lawmakers can use the same approach as that of a pre-k teacher; helping the children use the power of imagination to solve problems. They should imagine a future where universal pre-K helps us tackle our state’s achievement gap, makes us competitive globally, and helps families across the state.

Why the Future of Pre-K is at Home – edSurge

Initiatives are underway to harness the advantages of edtech-driven, curated, at-home pre-K.