Spencer-Van Etten Central School District is expanding access to its pre-kindergarten program following the finalization of the New York State budget, which includes an increase in dedicated pre-kindergarten funding.
The district’s state aid allocation for pre-kindergarten increased by $3,428 per student, resulting in approximately $160,000 in additional funding dedicated exclusively to Pre-K programming. By law, these grant funds can only be used to support pre-kindergarten services.
As a result, the district is expanding its program and currently has openings available for eligible Pre-K 4 students.
“This additional funding allows us to provide more families with access to high-quality early childhood education,” Superintendent Patrick Patterson said. “Because these funds are dedicated specifically to Pre-K programming, we’re excited to use them to expand opportunities for our youngest learners.”
Families with children who are eligible for Pre-K 4 are encouraged to contact Elementary Principal Matt Stroup at mstroup@svecsd.org for enrollment information.
Families with children eligible for Pre-K 3 are also encouraged to reach out if they would like to be notified should additional openings become available. The district will provide updates if Pre-K 3 space becomes available in the future.
District officials emphasized that this increase is dedicated pre-kindergarten grant funding and cannot be redirected to other district programs or expenses.