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Program Objective
Where/What: Pre-K for All
Early childhood education is essential for closing achievement gaps within low income communities. In 2014 the NYC Department of Education (DOE) undertook a dramatic expansion of the full-day universal pre-kindergarten program, known as Pre-K for All
in NYC under the umbrella of Universal pre-Kindergarten in the United Sates. Today, approximately 70,000 children from all socioeconomic backgrounds are enrolled in free UPK across the City.
Why?: TCART4UPK Initiative
TCART4UPK links art educators from Teachers College with New York UPK’s to create permanent art collaborations within the schools. The initiative stretches students’ literacies, provides enrichment, and beautifies the environs. Additionally, the art educators from Teachers College have the opportunity to work with students and to showcase their art in public spaces.
What?: Engaging Students
UPK sites across the city seek to accommodate the expanding influx of pre-K students. New classrooms are often located in public and charter schools, community based organization facilities, and in private pre-schools. This rapid expansion and limited availability of traditional pre-school locations may not always offer ideal environments. Teachers College Art for Universal pre-K provides collaborative art projects that create elevated learning spaces.