Open the pre-K center on President Street
Open the pre-K center on President Street
The Issue
As a local parent residing in the Columbia Street Waterfront District, I am faced with growing concerns about the availability of early childhood education for my child, who is approaching the age for 3K enrollment. The stakes are high for my family and for many others in our community, especially amid a concerning statistic—2,500 families were left without placement options for the 2024-2025 school year.
Over two years ago, a building situated at 42 President Street/129 Van Brunt Street was converted and equipped in anticipation of serving as a "PreK for All center." Yet, despite emerging hope and the assurance of signage, the building remains unused and vacant. This inaction by the Department of Education (DOE), primarily due to their belief of "not enough demand," has placed an immense weight on the shoulders of parents seeking free quality educational offerings for their preschoolers. Beyond the compelling need demonstrated by families like mine, the scarcity of pre-K programs in close proximity further compounds our challenges.
Data highlights that there are limited options within a one-mile radius of our neighborhood, with limited seats, which makes the case clear for both the immediacy and necessity of activating the pre-K center already poised and ready on President Street.
The missed opportunity to utilize this facility not only affects families directly but also denies educational advancement opportunities for our children at a crucial developmental stage. It’s critical for the DOE to reevaluate its demand forecasts and move forward with populating this viable location with a conscientious operator, allowing it to fulfill its intended purpose.
Please join me in calling upon the DOE to right this situation by promptly opening the pre-K center. Our neighborhood children deserve access to quality education without undue delay. Ensure pre-K spaces are available to meet our community’s real needs.
Sign this petition today to support the cause and to influence necessary change for the betterment of our children's futures.
461
The Issue
As a local parent residing in the Columbia Street Waterfront District, I am faced with growing concerns about the availability of early childhood education for my child, who is approaching the age for 3K enrollment. The stakes are high for my family and for many others in our community, especially amid a concerning statistic—2,500 families were left without placement options for the 2024-2025 school year.
Over two years ago, a building situated at 42 President Street/129 Van Brunt Street was converted and equipped in anticipation of serving as a "PreK for All center." Yet, despite emerging hope and the assurance of signage, the building remains unused and vacant. This inaction by the Department of Education (DOE), primarily due to their belief of "not enough demand," has placed an immense weight on the shoulders of parents seeking free quality educational offerings for their preschoolers. Beyond the compelling need demonstrated by families like mine, the scarcity of pre-K programs in close proximity further compounds our challenges.
Data highlights that there are limited options within a one-mile radius of our neighborhood, with limited seats, which makes the case clear for both the immediacy and necessity of activating the pre-K center already poised and ready on President Street.
The missed opportunity to utilize this facility not only affects families directly but also denies educational advancement opportunities for our children at a crucial developmental stage. It’s critical for the DOE to reevaluate its demand forecasts and move forward with populating this viable location with a conscientious operator, allowing it to fulfill its intended purpose.
Please join me in calling upon the DOE to right this situation by promptly opening the pre-K center. Our neighborhood children deserve access to quality education without undue delay. Ensure pre-K spaces are available to meet our community’s real needs.
Sign this petition today to support the cause and to influence necessary change for the betterment of our children's futures.
461
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Petition created on March 9, 2026