Harlem Electeds And Others Praise Mayor de Blasio Plan To Launch ’3-K for All’

Senator Chuck Schumer said, “All children deserve the opportunity to succeed and Mayor de Blasio’s universal, high-quality early childhood education program will help our littlest New Yorkers get a strong start on the path to success. The ’3-K for All’ program is innovative, groundbreaking and a smart investment that will maintain America’s promise of a brighter future for our students. I applaud Mayor de Blasio’s efforts to enhance our education system by making it more accessible and affordable to all New York families.”

“The Independent Democratic Conference was the driving force behind funding Universal Pre-K for every four-year-old in New York City, and we’ve seen the tremendous success of this program. In New York State we have already begun the efforts to expand UPK to 3-year-olds and I look forward to being a partner with New York City to achieve 3-K for All, so that learning can begin at an even a younger age ensuring greater success during a child’s academic career,” said Senate Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein.

“Mayor de Blasio’s plan for 3-K For All is an important investment of our city’s resources and in the future of New York City’s families. Early childhood education plays a vital role in our communities for working parents who save on childcare, can work more hours and have the peace of mind that their child is in a safe environment; for the academic performance of our young children which improves with early education; and for educators whose teaching is supplemented by these programs. In addition, every dollar we invest in early education, we save two-and three-fold in social services down the road. I applaud Mayor de Blasio’s plan for 3-K For All and look forward to supporting the Administration to meet the challenges and bring this plan into fruition,” said Chair of the City Council Finance Committee Julissa Ferreras-Copeland.

“New York City is leading the way with its commitment to free, full-day, high-quality early education, and the combination of 3-K for All and Pre-K for All is a potent model for school districts, cities, and states across the country,” said Hiro Yoshikawa, co-author of Cradle to Kindergarten: A New Plan to Combat Inequality. “By starting earlier, New York City is reaching children when they have the most capacity to learn, and leveling the playing field for high-needs families. Early education is an investment in the future, and New York City is setting itself up for tremendous benefits down the line.”

“Today’s announcement proves that Working moms in New York have found a champion in Mayor de Blasio. Most importantly, this expansion gives all children a chance to succeed. I’m proud to support him in these efforts,” said Alyssa Milano, Actress, from Brooklyn and product of Staten Island public schools.

Political commentator Van Jones said, “Mayor de Blasio’s decision to expand early childhood education for young New Yorkers is a game changer in the fight to close the achievement gap. I applaud him for his commitment to this issue. This initiative will help build a better future for our children — I hope other communities will take note.”

“3-K for All is an incredible program that will benefit New York City youth, families, and the future of our long-term viability and success,”

“3-K for All is an incredible program that will benefit New York City youth, families, and the future of our long-term viability and success,” said U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat. “Ensuring educational opportunity and access to quality early childhood education for hundreds of NYC children regardless of their family income is a priceless investment. I am proud to stand with Mayor de Blasio in this effort to combat educational disparity and put NYC youth on a path toward opportunity and achievement.”

“Expanding pre-K to include three-year-olds is a smart step that will benefit parents and children alike,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “I look forward to this expansion eventually taking effect in Manhattan, and will continue working with the administration to create enough pre-K seats to meet demand in every one of Manhattan’s neighborhoods.”

“3-K for All has game-changing potential for the future of our city, a city of safe communities where we raise healthy children and families. To end the tale of two cities, we need to start at the very beginning. The critical first moments of life are where the lasting rifts between the haves and the have nots already begin. A report that I released earlier this year with State Senator Squadron affirmed the need for expanded investment in early childhood education, laying out the statistical and anecdotal evidence for seizing on this critical period for brain development. For our Early Childhood Development Task Force, this is a moment for celebration. I am excited to work alongside Mayor de Blasio to make 3-K for All a success as it rolls out in Brownsville, East New York, and Ocean Hill,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.

“I commend Mayor de Blasio for funding NYCs 3-K for All initiative. This investment in our children will greatly benefit families in my senate district. It shows a continued commitment to providing and improving access to education for all,” said State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud.

State Senator Jose Peralta said, “A good and solid education is key to a more productive and better prepared society. Investing in early childhood education will go a long way to better educate our future leaders. Free, full-day 3K education will provide our children with a vital base to succeed in life. I applaud Mayor de Blasio and his Administration’s efforts for this educational initiative that ultimately benefits all of us.”

“Investment in early childhood education has a track record of proven results in increasing student achievement and reducing inequality of opportunity. I supported Mayor de Blasio very early in his first campaign because I felt strongly that Universal Pre-K was necessary to provide a quality education to all New York City children and to relieve the burden of childcare for working parents. I am overjoyed that Mayor de Blasio is building on the success of the UPK program in this trailblazing effort to invest in our children early, when it makes the most difference. 3-K for All represents the most ambitious effort of its kind in US history, and I am proud that New York City and the de Blasio administration are leading the way,” said State Senator Marisol Alcantara.

State Senator Brad Hoylman said, “‘3-K for All’ is an important next step in the Mayor’s historic commitment to educational equity. Every dollar spent on early childhood education earns back $2-4 over time because of the enormous impact it has on learning potential. I applaud Mayor de Blasio’s investment in our children and in the long-term success and prosperity of our city.”

“A good quality education is the passport to success,” said Assembly Member Clyde Vanel. “The earlier that we train our children, the better equipped they are for these dynamic times. I applaud the Mayor for such an ambitious and forward thinking program.”

“I look forward to seeing this ambitious project implemented by Mayor de Blasio,” said Assembly Member Brian Barnwell.” Education is the key to the future and this plan will help countless kids achieve a better one.”

Assembly Member Michael Blake said, “The proposal for 3-K in District 7 in the South Bronx has game changing potential to help empower lives of children from the very start for generational progress. It will ensure that our children in The Bronx get the opportunities for educational equity and future economic development in our communities. We congratulate Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Fiorina on ensuring the development of a cradle to the career vision that will ensure that we are in our district and throughout our borough are #BuildingABetterBronx.”

“3K The additional year of pre-school experience has outstanding benefits for a child. It also provides valuable educational information for the parents. I know this as a policy maker and also as a Dad, who witnessed the tremendous academic and social growth my two daughters experienced in their pre3K program,” said Assembly Member Marcos Crespo, Chair of the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force.

“Expanding pre-kindergarten is one of our city’s great successes in the last few years, promising to improve social skills and educational achievement for our kids and offer greater economic opportunity for working parents,” said Assembly Member Brian Kavanagh. “I applaud Mayor de Blasio and the many people at City Hall and the Department of Education who have worked to implement and expand the program for 4-year-olds and to plan this next big step to include 3-year-olds. I look forward to working with the Mayor and my colleagues in Albany to support this exciting new initiative.”

Assembly Member Joe Lentol said, “The success of future generations is dependent upon quality education. All children deserve the chance to have access to quality early education that puts them on the path to success. I applaud the Mayor for expanding access to early childhood education because when it comes to our children, we must invest all the necessary resources to ensure they are successful in life”

“By expanding Pre-K to all 3 year olds we are helping to ensure that our children are ready for kindergarten and won’t fall behind. We will be giving youngsters in New York City a head start on their education and put them on the right track to academic success,” said Assembly Member Robert J. Rodriguez.

“A good quality education is the passport to success,” said Assembly Member Clyde Vanel. “The earlier that we train our children, the better equipped they are for these dynamic times. I applaud the Mayor for such an ambitious and forward thinking program.”

“We are excited about the expansion of universal pre-K extending to 3 year olds in District 23 which is in located in Brownsville. This will give our kids an opportunity to get a jumpstart in early childhood education. My office looks forward to partnering with the administration and District 23 to make sure this opportunity will succeed,” said Assembly Member Latrice Walker.

“An investment in early education is an investment in the future of our country. I commend the Mayor and the agencies who put forth a plan to provide pre-kindergarten seats to three-year olds and I look forward to the program’s expansion to Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island, and beyond,” said Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright.
“I applaud Mayor Bill de Blasio’s 3-K for All plan,” said Assembly Member Pamela Harris. “It is vital that our youth, regardless of family income, have access to a high-quality early childhood education starting at age three. The Pre-K for All program emphasizes academic and social development, while at the same time, providing much needed childcare to our working families.”

“Early childhood education a priority for me and I am so happy to see Mayor de Blasio taking the lead. We know that the educational development of children is critical at age 3,” said Assembly Member Carmen De La Rosa. “As a mother of an almost 3 year old daughter, this is the type of opportunity we need for all our children across the state and beyond. It is imperative for children to absorb education when the stages for cognitive skills begin to sprout.”

“The earlier we go, the better it is for our youngest students, increasing their chances to succeed,”

“The earlier we go, the better it is for our youngest students, increasing their chances to succeed,” said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez. “Since my time chairing the Council Committee on Higher Education, I have been a big proponent of early childhood education as a way to build a pipeline to college and beyond. The results are transformative and will help to improve schools across the city in the years to come. I am proud to support Mayor de Blasio’s initiative to bring pre-k to all 3 year-olds in New York City and hope we can continue to go further in the future.”

“The earlier children have education the better. I have seen the difference early childhood education can make firsthand. I think this is a really great idea,” said Council Member Karen Koslowitz.

“I welcome the ‘3-K For All’ pilot program and support its expansion citywide. Pre-K For All delivers improved education and health outcomes for every enrolled child. Pre-K’s economic benefits in low-income and immigrant communities are especially important. This new pilot program for 3-year olds shows we can fulfill our promise to nurture New York City’s children,” said Council Member Carlos Menchaca.

“Families are being forced out of New York City due to high childcare costs. New York City must provide Universal Childcare, starting with an expansion of Universal Pre-Kindergarten to cover all four and three year-olds,” said Council Member Ben Kallos. “Thank you to Mayor de Blasio for recognizing how important early education and universal pre-kindergarten are to New York City’s parents and children.”

“There is no more proven path out of poverty than education and I applauded the Mayor for this unprecedented commitment to early childhood education. I believe this will be one of the best investments in the fight against poverty that the City has ever made and will ultimately lead to improved student performance and higher graduation rates,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

“We know that education impacts economic, familial, and social stability and that for too long a quality education was mostly reserved for the few in privileged zip codes,” said Council Member Rafael Espinal. “Universal Pre-K has been proven to be essential to the development of our children and a success here in NY; I applaud Mayor de Blasio for continuing to make educating our youngest New Yorkers a top priority of his administration. It is time that District 23, which serves Ocean Hill, Brownsville and East New York finally get the focus and resources it deserves so that our students– who are among the most economically disadvantaged– have every opportunity for success.”

“A Pre-K education lays the foundation for a life time of success. Students who attend Pre-K are more likely to enter kindergarten ready to learn and more likely to graduate from high school. Three years ago, New York City invested in our children’s future through the Pre-K For All program, and I am so proud that today we are expanding on that investment by extending Pre-K for All to children as young as three. All young people deserve an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed; through 3-K and Pre-K, we will be giving our future stars and scholars all of the resources they need to soar. I commend Mayor de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina for this tremendous investment in early education and for recognizing that the City of New York is a leader in public education for our youngest scholars,” said Council Member Vanessa Gibson.

“Early childhood education is one of the most powerful tools against income inequality. Building on the success of universal pre-kindergarten, this initiative is an investment in the future of our city that will help open up educational opportunities for all young New Yorkers and prepare them for success in tomorrow’s world. I thank Mayor de Blasio for his ongoing dedication to early childhood education, which will reap immeasurable benefits for our city’s youth,” said Council Member Debi Rose.

“For far too long, children in single parent or low and middle income households have been left behind due to the unaffordability of early childhood education. In the City of New York, we are closing the achievement gap by expanding access through 3-K for All, which builds on our city’s commitment to providing our youngest and brightest minds with an equitable opportunity to excel as scholars. I thank Mayor de Blasio for prioritizing education as a cornerstone for success,” said Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo.

“Universal childhood education for all 3 year olds will ensure all our youth are entering school with the strong fundamentals they need to be successful in school and life.”

“The sooner the better,” said Council Member Bill Perkins. “Universal childhood education for all 3 year olds will ensure all our youth are entering school with the strong fundamentals they need to be successful in school and life.”

“I commend the Administration on their commitment to making sure all children have access to education as early as possible,” said Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, Deputy Leader. “All of the research shows that the early years of a child’s life are the most formative when it comes to education. This program will make it simpler especially for low-income parents to get a head start in introducing education to their children, and preparing them for their academic career. This type of universal approach is essential to all of our programs for those who need it the most, particularly in the era of Trump.”

“For families without a permanent caretaker, pre-k becomes an irreplaceable lifeline that allows parents to return to work while affording children a safe and high-quality environment to learn. Extending free, UP-K to three-year-olds will spell relief for thousands of New Yorkers and prepare our newest New Yorkers for educational success. Many thanks to Mayor de Blasio for expanding on this much needed program,” said Council Member Peter Koo.

Council Member Costa Constantinides said, “The 3-K for All goal would set up our city’s children for success throughout their educational and professional lives. Providing full-day early childhood education for three-year-olds brings lifelong benefits on academic and social outcomes. The additional year of preschool would also bring benefits to our community as a whole. I thank Mayor de Blasio for his bold vision on educating our city’s children.”

“Today’s announcement of extending universal Pre-K to three year olds is yet another significant step taken by Mayor de Blasio to ensure that future generations are getting every opportunity they deserve to succeed. This action represents the boldest strides taken by any municipality in the country to advance early childhood education,” said Council Member Steve Levin.

“Research evidence suggests that early childhood education programs can significantly impact a child’s overall development and play a significant role in shaping the adult they will become. 3K for All which builds on the success of Pre K for All is an exciting and important next step in our efforts to provide quality educational opportunities for all children,” said Council Member Fernando Cabrera.

“We’ve all seen the tremendous impact that Pre-K for All has had on the lives of thousands of children and families. Now, with the launch of 3-K for All, even more children will receive the benefits of high-quality, early education at an earlier age. I thank Mayor de Blasio and his Administration for building on this extraordinary effort to positively change the lives of New Yorkers for generations to come,” said Council Member Margaret S. Chin.

“Education is truly the great equalizer, giving children of every background and income the chance to reach the highest levels of achievement and success. I’m proud that New York City will lead the way with a plan to provide free, high-quality early childhood education to every three-year-old in our city which will break down the barriers that too often hold our children back from reaching their full potential,” said New York City Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer.

“The UPK program has been a runaway success, making our education system stronger, and childcare easier for countless families,”

“The UPK program has been a runaway success, making our education system stronger, and childcare easier for countless families,” said Council Member Mark Levine. “Expanding UPK to include 3 year olds means more kids be on a path to success at a younger age, while saving their families up to $10,000 annually in childcare costs. I am proud to join Mayor de Blasio in supporting this measure, and look forward to working with the administration to bring ‘3-K for All’ in to the Upper Manhattan Community.”

“I heartily congratulate the de Blasio administration on its launch of free, full-day early childhood education for every three-year-old child, as part of its incredible effort to create a continuum of high-quality early care and education programs for New York City children from birth to age five. The number of four-year-olds enrolled in free Pre-K across the city has already more than tripled. I can’t think of a better investment for our city’s future than this one – fostering the mental, social and physical well-being of our youngest New Yorkers,” said Council Member Helen Rosenthal.

“Just a few years ago, they said universal Pre-K was unrealistic and impossible,” said Council Member Corey Johnson. “Now Mayor de Blasio is going even further. 3-K for all will benefit countless working families and will result in improved education outcomes in the years to come. I applaud Mayor de Blasio, Schools Chancellor Fariña and Education Committee Chair Dromm on this groundbreaking achievement.”

“Early educational instruction is fundamental to ensuring future educational readiness and I applaud efforts to expand Universal Pre-K to three year olds in New York City,” said Council Member Andy King. “I look forward to working to expand this program city wide beyond the two pilot districts as soon as possible to ensure equity for all our young people who deserve this opportunity and parents struggling to afford quality early care.”

“I am pleased to know that New York City will offer early education to 3 year olds. I look forward to the City doing an extensive outreach to ensure that as they implement a culturally relevant education, that they will do an extensive outreach to employ those who reflect and respect the culture of the predominantly Black, Latino and Asian population of New York City,” Council Member Inez Barron.

“Getting our children into a classroom environment at the earliest age possible will help ensure that they are well-prepared to step into the role of a full-time student,” said Council Member Donovan Richards. “This will also help ease the pressure on parents, who can struggle to find babysitters or day care, while they are at work. This push for 3-K for All will continue to improve the lives of parents and children and I’d like to thank Mayor de Blasio for focusing on the education of the youngest New Yorkers. We look forward to seeing every three-year-old in New York City benefit from this ambitious plan.”

Council Member Annabel Palma said, “I’m ecstatic that South Bronx students will be enrolled in the pilot program for The 3K for All program. Given the unmitigated success of the universal pre-k implementation, I am especially encouraged that this new venture will reap similar benefits. It is vital that our children are exposed to a quality education–in an atmosphere conducive to that end–early on in their development. I look forward to monitoring the progress of these young minds, and to the eventual citywide scaling of the program. I thank the de Blasio administration for having the courage and vision for pushing forward on this front.”

“It is undeniable that early childhood education has tremendous positive effects that benefit the future upbringing and learning opportunities for students. This expansion will surely impact thousands of children who need the foundation and stepping time to ensure successful life outcomes,” said Council Member Ritchie Torres.

“It’s a well-known fact that a child’s potential is dramatically increased the earlier that their formal learning begins,” said Council Member Vincent Gentile. “Expanding universal early childhood education to 3-year-olds in the ‘3K for All’ pilot represents a solid investment by the Administration into our future leaders. I was proud to support the original Universal Pre-K program, and I’m equally as proud to support 3K for All.”

“3-K for All is an exciting development that will benefit thousands of NYC families,” said Council Member Daniel Dromm. “As a former daycare center teacher and director, I know that a quality early childhood education provides students with the foundation they need to succeed for the rest of their lives. I look forward to working with Mayor de Blasio to enhance this vitally important program and urge parents in participating districts to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.”

“We welcome Mayor de Blasio’s commitment to early childhood education for all New York families,” said 32BJ President Hector Figueroa. “For our members and so many other working people in this city access to high-quality early education will help them ensure a bright future for their kids. We’ve seen the great success that Universal Pre-K has had and we’re glad to see the mayor expanding this program.”

“The research shows how valuable early education can be for developing language and positive learning behaviors and habits,” said Steve Barnett, Director of the National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University. High quality pre-K builds a stronger foundation for school success that is especially important for children from low-income backgrounds. New York City’s Pre-K for All expansion focused on quality from the very beginning, and this same focus on on quality through high-quality 3-K for All will be transformative. I hope other Cities will watch this expansion closely.”

“Ensuring that every child in New York City has the opportunity to develop a strong learning foundation beginning at age three, when, as research shows, is a critical time for healthy brain development and social and emotional skills building, represents a major next step forward in Mayor de Blasio’s pursuit of a more equitable city for all New Yorkers,” said Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies. “FPWA commends the Mayor, Chancellor Fariña, and the administration for deepening their commitment to improving early education, and in turn, educational outcomes, experiences, and lifetime opportunities for all children.”

“Mayor de Blasio’s vision for high-quality early childhood education acknowledges the importance of supporting solid early learning experiences across the birth through age 8 continuum,” said Jacqueline Jones, President and CEO of the Foundation for Child Development. “While one year of high quality preschool for 4-year-olds can make a difference in young children’s learning trajectories, providing an additional year of preschool and building high-quality early elementary programming can maximize New York City’s investment in ensuring sustained positive outcomes for young children that can lead to success in school and beyond.”

“3-K for All presents a tremendous opportunity for New York City’s children and families, and once again, New York City is at the forefront of investments in early education nationwide,” said Pamela Morris, Professor of Applied Psychology and the Vice Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs at NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. “In its Pre-K for All expansion, New York City has been notably committed to program quality, through strategic teacher training and support, and we look forward to seeing this commitment – and its benefits –extend to even younger learners.”

“With 3-K for All, New York City is deepening its commitment to free, full-day, high-quality early education, and, in so doing, strengthening the birth to five continuum,” said C. Cybele Raver, Vice Provost of Academic, Faculty and Research Affairs at NYU. “This initiative is supported by a strong body of research that demonstrates the importance of investing in children’s learning and development as early as possible. New York City’s students will be better prepared for elementary school, and high-quality early childhood education will ultimately reap dividends for the City and the nation.”

“Mayor de Blasio’s bold 3-K for All initiative and increased support for programs serving children starting at birth strengthens New York City’s position as a national leader in early childhood education,” said Elliot Regenstein, Senior Vice President, Advocacy and Policy at Chicago’s Ounce of Prevention Fund. “We know that the most critical years of learning are birth through five, and that high-quality early education starting as early as possible is key to lifting our children to brighter futures. 3-K for All and strengthened infant-toddler programs – on top of the City’s commitment to high-quality pre-K for every 4-year-old – sends a powerful message that New York City understands that, and is making the investments that matter.”

“High-quality early education is the most powerful tool we have to level the playing field and guarantee our city’s children equal educational opportunity,” said Shael Polakow-Suransky, President of the Bank Street College of Education. “Today’s expansion is a powerful step forward. Bank Street has been a proud partner in the City’s historic expansion of free high-quality pre-K, and we look forward to supporting the growth and quality of 3-K for All. Research shows that reaching students at age three while their brains are developing rapidly has profound impacts on their success in school and in life. This program is a smart common sense move for the Department of Education. I know Cities across the country will watch this transformative work closely.”

“When a city invests in its youngest children everyone benefits,” said Sherry M. Cleary, Executive Director of the New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute at CUNY. “As New York City continues to focus on children from conception through their early years families grow stronger and children thrive. We, at the New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute at CUNY, look forward to providing support to this ambitious endeavor.”

“CHCF commends the City’s expansion of free, high-quality early education and care that will continue to make a difference for children and families, and communities,” said Diana Noriega, Chief Program Officer at The Committee for Hispanic Children and Families. “Together, Pre-K for All and 3-K for All will have a lasting impact on our children’s and our City’s futures. CHCF will continue to partner with Mayor de Blasio and the City to strengthen the path from birth to college and careers for all children.”

“With the implementation of Pre-K for All for 4 year-olds, New York City proved that investment in early childhood education works.” said Susan Stamler, Executive Director of United Neighborhood Houses. “We look forward to working with the de Blasio administration to build on the success of Pre-K for All to implement a comprehensive system of high quality early childhood education. We believe that all children deserve programs with well-trained, fairly compensated staff to learn the skills necessary to succeed in their education. Quality early childhood education makes a difference in the lives of children and supports New York’s working families.”

“Research tells us that providing high quality early education shapes a child’s social, emotional and academic trajectory in profoundly positive ways,” said Jennifer March, Phd. Executive Director Citizens’ Committee for Children. “The city’s proposal to expand access to full day prekindergarten to 3 year olds is a welcome step towards serving more families with young children. We applaud the plan for leveling the playing field for the city’s poorest children as it first prioritizes serving the communities where children face the greatest risks and obstacles. We look forward to working with the de Blasio administration to ensure this initiative succeeds in making prekindergarten universally available for every 3 and 4 year old. Continuing our many years of advocacy for NYC’s children, we also stand ready to work with the administration to expand the capacity of high quality infant and toddler services for our youngest children.”

“We applaud the Mayor for building on the very effective and successful Pre-K for All Program,” said Nancy Kolben, Executive Director of Center for Children’s Initiatives. “Expanding the program to serve threes is a vital next step in ensuring that all of New York City’s children have access to a high quality early learning that prepares them for success in kindergarten and beyond. High quality full day programs are vital for children, their families, the City and the nation at large. The research is clear these programs changes lives and are a core part of this city’s commitment to equality and access for all.”

“Universal ‘3K’ is a great idea. The members of the Professional Staff Congress/CUNY applaud Mayor de Blasio for introducing an initiative that has the potential to shatter entrenched patterns of inequality. As faculty and staff at CUNY, the country’s most diverse university system, we constantly see evidence of the hidden injuries of class. Creating universal pre-K for three-year-olds will be a huge step toward healing some of the deepest of those injuries. We commend the Mayor for going beyond his already innovative program of pre-K by expanding the reach and the vision of universal education. We can’t wait to teach the graduates of ‘3K’ when they grow up and enroll in CUNY,” said Barbara Bowen, President of the Professional Staff Congress/CUNY.

“Expanding prekindergarten to three-year-old children will have a significant impact in providing them with the foundational skills needed for school success. We commend Mayor de Blasio for taking another important step toward narrowing the achievement gap,” said Kim Sweet, Executive Director, Advocates for Children of New York.

“For too long, a student’s zip code has determined their access to quality education,” stated Jose Calderon, President of the Hispanic Federation. “Through 3-K for All, access to free, full-day, quality early childhood education will directly address the achievement gap faced by Latino and other underrepresented communities, serving students at an especially critical point in their development. Hispanic Federation applauds Mayor de Blasio’s initiative, and calls on the state and federal governments to ensure the vitality and expansion of 3-K for All through supplemental funding in the years to come.”

“From his days as a community school board member to his tenure as Mayor, Bill de Blasio has been pushing the envelope to improve educational opportunities for children of all ages. It is accepted beyond dispute that the earlier we start educating our children the better their opportunities will be later in life. Expanding Pre-K to 3 year-olds is not only beneficial for our children, but also for working families who will have the peace of mind of knowing their children are well cared for and learning valuable skills while they are at work. The UAW is proud to support the Mayor in this initiative, and calls on Albany and Washington to make it a reality for all 3 year-olds.” said Julie Kushner, UAW Region 9A Director.

“New York’s musicians are not only world-class artists, they are parents and teachers who work every day to make a living and who know the value of high quality, universal pre-K education,” said Tino Gagliardi, President, Local 802 American Federation of Musicians. “By expanding pre-K to all three year-olds, New York City will be supporting parents, musicians and New Yorkers who are working to ensure their children have every opportunity to thrive and grow.”

Deborah Axt, Co-Executive Director, Make the Road New York said, “Every child in this City should have access to the early childhood learning she needs to thrive, regardless of their family’s income. The new 3-K initiative is poised to achieve just that, and it marks major progress to expand educational opportunities for all. When it is fully implemented, 3-K will make a big difference to the working-class immigrant families that we serve.”

“We applaud the Mayor and his administration for continuing their ground-breaking efforts to expand access to universal pre-K to three-year-olds. Studies have clearly shown that access to early education is vital towards learning the skills necessary to succeed in the future. Mayor de Blasio’s plan to begin these programs in low-income communities, such as the South Bronx and Brownsville, Brooklyn, is another example of the Administration’s efforts to end inequality and provide access to those who need it first,” said Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, UFCW.

Reverend Michael Walrond, Senior Pastor at First Corinthian Baptist Church said, “I commend the Mayor for his bold vision to expand Pre-K to 3 year olds. Investing in NYC’s children is one of the smartest investments the administration can make.”

Reverend Que English, Senior Pastor at Bronx Christian Fellowship said, “Expanding Pre-K to 3 year olds is a wise investment, and I commend the Mayor and his administration in taking this necessary step to ensuring that NYC’s future remains bright.”

“Mayor de Blasio’s commitment to broadening and deepening educational opportunity and excellence for all of our children is once again born out in the latest expansion of universal pre-k to 3 year olds. The data has told us the earlier children have formalized learning the better the outcomes are all areas of life. We support Mayor de Blasio’s vision of free access to high quality education, not just for a select, lucky few but indeed for all NYC’s children,” said Minister Kirsten John Foy, Northeast Regional Director, National Action Network.

“The early childhood education experience makes a tremendous difference in how a child performs in higher grades. I applaud Mayor de Blasio’s 3-K Initiative. Education is more than the communication of information. It is the impartation of life,” said Reverend AR Bernard, Senior Pastro and CEO, Christian Cultural Center.

“The Mayor’s expansion of universal pre-k to 3 year olds is one of the best benefits of the year. For the low income families of Brownsville, this news is like Christmas has come early. We support this move and encourage the residents make full use of the visionary initiative,” said Pastor Nigel Lewis of New Life SDA Church in Brownsville.

“The Working Families Party applauds Mayor de Blasio’s plan to expand universal Pre-K in NYC to 3-year-old children,” said Bill Lipton, NY State Director of the Working Families Party. “This plan builds on NYC’s success and leadership in early childhood education and would have a transformational impact on our school system and our entire city. With this proposal, Mayor de Blasio is showing leadership where it matters most for working families.”

“Every child deserves the chance to succeed and every parent the opportunity to start their child on the road to educational success. We applaud Mayor de Blasio for recognizing that investing in our children means a brighter future for all,” said Joan Malin, CEO of Planned Parenthood of NYC.

“Our investment in 3 years through kindergarten is an investment in the future of NYC’s children. I commend Mayor DeBlasio and Chancellor Farina for leadership on leveling the playing field for all children,” said Dr. Debbie Almontaser, Muslim Community Network & Bridging Cultures.