Universal prekindergarten has existed in select New York communities for some time now, but the recently passed state budget dedicates funds to expanding programs throughout the entire state.

State Sen. James Skoufis joined Cornwall Central School District leaders and parents to announce the creation of more than 2,600 universal pre-K spots in the area thanks to this funding.

Cornwall small business owner John Evans and his wife have two young kids ages three and four. Now, they also have options.

What You Need To Know

  • More than 2,600 universal pre-K spots were created thanks to funding included in this year's state budget

  • Up to 82 spots could be available for 4-year-olds in the Cornwall Central School district this fall

  • The Cornwall Central school board approved its budget on Thursday night; district residents will vote on it on May 17

"Every single four-year-old in New York City who wants pre-K has been able to access it in New York City, which is wonderful for those families and those children, but outside of the city, we’ve gotten peanuts," said Skoufis.

That’s changing.

Skoufis pushed for the funding included in the state budget for universal pre-K. It totals $375 million over the next three years.

"So, in addition to the 60 slots last year, this additional money now brings the total up to Cornwall to 82 seats that the state will contribute towards," Skoufis said.

Evans sends his kids to a private early educational provider, but that can get expensive.

"We pay out of pocket. We send our children right now, today, to one of the local providers," said Evans. "And it is huge. It is literally for my two children, probably $18,000 dollars a year."

He said the possibility of his kids attending universal pre-K free of cost through the school district would be a blessing.

"It is crucial for us. It does put more money in the college fund," said Evans. "That is going to be a burden that we are not going to be left to bear."

Evans and his wife value early education, so the opportunity to send his kids to pre-K for free is priceless.

"We pay a lot of taxes to live here in the Hudson Valley," said Evans. "Your tax dollars are gonna work for your 4-year-old, and it's gonna give them the building blocks they need. It's crucial, and it makes living in Cornwall that much sweeter."

The Cornwall Central school board approved its budget on Thursday night. District residents will vote on it on May 17.