STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Parents began lining up outside The Foresight School in New Springville as early as 2:40 a.m. After all, it was the first day of registration for Universal Pre-Kindergarten on Monday, and these parents had their eye on the prize: A coveted spot in a free, full-day class. The strange part, however, was that they...
In 2003, with Universal Pre-Kindergarten funding in jeopardy, children made their case in Silver Lake Park.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Parents began lining up outside The Foresight School in New Springville as early as 2:40 a.m.
After all, it was the first day of registration for Universal Pre-Kindergarten on Monday, and these parents had their eye on the prize: A coveted spot in a free, full-day class.
The strange part, however, was that they couldn't be sure whether the free classes would become a reality.
The 2010-11 school year is the first time the state has allotted funding for free, full-day pre-K classes in day-care centers and preschools on Staten Island, officials said.
Free classes are scheduled for The Foresight School, Big Bird's Playhouse, New Springville; Castle Day Care II, Stapleton; Richmond Hill Children's Center, New Springville, and Children's Playhouse Nursery, also in New Springville.
But whether the classes will materialize in the upcoming school year remains a question; state officials may have to pull the funding because of the economic crisis. If free classes are not offered, the seats at those five places will revert to half-day pre-K classes.
Full-day pre-K classes, which run for six hours and 20 minutes, are notoriously difficult to find because the state mostly offers funding for half-day classes, which run for two and a half hours. Pre-K classes, be they half-day or full-day, are offered for free in 35 borough public schools, officials said.
Parents also can sign up for classes in certain day-care centers or preschools called Community Based Organizations; however, CBOs typically charge for full-day classes.
By 6 a.m. on the first day of registration, there were 12 parents on the line in front of The Foresight School, said director Joyce Horowitz.
By 8 a.m., there were 67.
"It was really quite hysterical [funny]," Ms. Horowitz said. "Instead of standing in the cold, they lined up their baby strollers in order of when they came and sat in their cars with their children."
Ms. Horowitz said that spoke volumes about the tough economic times families are dealing with.
"I thought it was kind of interesting what parents were going through to get their children in a preschool and how valuable a free, full-day class is to them," she said.
Applications for pre-K classes citywide will be accepted until April 9, officials said. To qualify, children must turn 4 years old by Dec. 31.
An information session on the application process will be held at New Dorp High School on March 23 at 6:30 p.m.