Colton calls on parents to be pre-k ‘watchdogs’
Says plan needs parental input in order to work
The state’s ambitious, $300 million universal pre-kindergarten program needs more than money to make it work, according to one Brooklyn lawmaker.
Assemblyman Bill Colton (D-Gravesend-Bensonhurst) issued a clarion call for parents to be fully engaged in the process as the state and city set up the pre-k classes.
“We must insist that both the state and the city keep their promises to ensure that this plan works,” Colton said. “Parents need to be very watchful and insist on it happening. I am urging and calling on parents to be watchdogs to make sure that New York City establishes a high quality universal and full day pre-K program and implements this program correctly.”
Among the things parents should be on the watch for, according to Colton: that the city government and the New York City Department of Education open up the seats for students, recruits certified teachers, allocates the space, and recruits children to fill the seats.