The New York City Department of Education implements two prekindergarten programs for students turning 4 years of age by December 31 of the academic year:
· Universal Prekindergarten: for children in public school and non-public school settings, such as Head Start, child care centers, preschool special education and nursery schools.· Universal Plus Prekindergarten: integrated setting in which children with mild to moderate disabilities learn with their typically developing peers.
Curricula in our prekindergarten classes are aligned with the New York State Learning Standards and the New York City Prekindergarten Performance Standards. Teaching staff provides developmentally appropriate instruction for all children in a learning environment that promotes the acquisition of skills in the four learning domains—social-emotional, physical, creative expression/aesthetic and cognitive development.Partners in Reading
The Partners in Reading Program (PIR) is a year round early childhood initiative established by the Mayor’s Office, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE). Located within the NYCHA Community Centers, licensed teachers provide an instructional program that includes a rich and culturally relevant selection of children’s literature, hands-on inquiry-based projects and robust physical activities for students in grades 1 through 3.New York City Early Literacy Learning
The New York City Early Literacy Learning (NYCELL) initiative is an intergovernmental program designed by the Mayor's Office and the NYCDOE in conjunction with the NYCHA. This early literacy program is designed for parents with children between the ages of twelve months and three years and nine months. Parents must reside in or near the city's housing developments. At present NYCELL operates in five NYCHA Community Centers. The program demonstrates the importance of early literacy through oral interaction and play between parent and child. Based on current research, children who are exposed to print rich environments with meaningful yet expanding interactive experiences achieve greater success in school. NYCELL provides parents and their children with reading readiness strategies, focused on speaking, listening, pre-reading and pre-writing skills. Resources and materials that promote at home learning experiences are provided to the families. To ensure success, ongoing professional development is included throughout each curriculum cycle.