As universal pre-kindergarten becomes a more popular topic of discussion, local school districts are working to increase access for families.

Recent grant funding from the state has helped some districts expand programs or, in the case of Coxsackie-Athens, create one that never existed.

Prior to January, the district did not offer Pre-K. Coxsackie-Athens received $360,000 from the New York State Education Department at the end of 2021, allowing it to open two Pre-K classrooms.

"Pre-K has become what kindergarten might have been for us as parents 20-30 years ago," says Randy Squier, superintendent of schools.

At Coxsackie-Athens, the funding has allowed them to enroll about 30 children in Pre-K programming.

"Just being able to offer a program where parents feel that their child is safe and they get to socialize with peers that they are going to be with from now until they graduate – they’re already building those friendships – I think this is going to be amazing for our community," says Brandie Callahan, one of the Pre-K teachers.

Funds can be used this school year and next year, allowing districts to give parents options and lay a strong foundation for their youngest learners.

"This is the beginning of where they are beginning to learn there are going to be situations that make them upset and they have to handle that. They have to figure out with a peer how they’re going to share their toys," says Callahan.

The hope is to expand the program next year to include three classrooms.