Universal pre-K is back

The news came later than in previous years, but it eventually came: New York state will provide funding for universal pre-kindergarten. The program is offered at no cost to families or school districts, and is funded by the State Education Department.

For families in the Bellmore School District, a two-hour, five-day-a-week program is offered from September through June. Children must turn 4 years old on or before Dec. 1.

Applications for the program must be received by Tuesday, Sept. 7, and students will be selected by a lottery system. The program will be held at various pre-schools in the Bellmore-Merrick area. Parents will not have a choice of location or time, and transportation is not provided.

For families in the North Bellmore School District, a 2 1/2-hour, five-day-a-week program will be offered at participating pre-schools in either a morning or afternoon session. The district has the same age requirement.

Because the state funding was approved later than in previous years, school officials were hesitant to announce registration for the program in advance. North Bellmore's assistant superintendent, Dr. Marilyn Johnson, said they were uncertain whether the funding would come through in time. "We needed to be cautious, she said, "because we didn't want to promise people things we wouldn't be able to provide."

North Bellmore first offered universal pre-K in the winter of 2008. The following school year, the district offered the program for the entire year. Johnson said that its popularity has grown as parents continue to be pleased with the results. "They've been very happy to have that, and that's why we've been happy to offer it," she said.

As was the case in 2009-10, only 66 slots are available in North Bellmore. Johnson said that about three times as many children usually apply. Applications for the program are due by Tuesday, and a raffle will be conducted the following day.