Almost 20 years ago, New York was poised to provide all 4-year-olds with universal access to prekindergarten, giving all of our children maximum opportunity for future success. But it's only now that we have the chance to actually fulfill the promise that our leaders in Albany have been making for decades.
In 1997, our state was one of the first to pass legislation calling for pre-K classes for all 4-year-olds; after rolling out the first stage of financing in 1998, the goal was to serve all children in all districts within five years. It was an ambitious plan driven by an increasing consensus by the late 90s that early childhood education is the key to ensuring future success for children, on every measure from brain development to high school graduation rates.
By 2002, however, only 24 percent of eligible children were enrolled. When tough economic times hit, the state failed to follow through on its commitment at various stages of funding. Despite a growing desire among educators to implement universal pre-K, districts were hesitant to enroll due to costs that exceeded funding and the knowledge that without a dedicated funding source, money would always be at risk from year-to-year. In addition, almost all state funding for pre-kindergarten is expressly limited to half day (two-and-a-half hours of school).
When we look at enrollment today, it's clear that New York has made little progress – and even more clear that we need serious investment in programs proven to alter the life trajectory of children. In New York City alone, the majority of the approximately 58,000 children we reach benefit from only two-and-a-half hours of instruction. And, according to the U.S. Census, a shocking 28 percent of New York City's 4-year-olds are not enrolled in any early education programs.
But this year can mark a real turning point, at least in New York City, which now has a path to truly universal full-day pre-K. Mayor-Elect Bill de Blasio has proposed a dedicated funding stream to make universal pre-K and after school programs a reality. A small, half-percentage-point increase in the income tax on New York City residents making more than $500,000 per year would raise the funds necessary to provide full-day pre-K to all 4-year-olds, as well as after-school programs for all middle school students. It is the type of bold, creative investment in our city's children that will provide tens of thousands of children with an opportunity for success that they may never have had otherwise.
The evidence surrounding the benefits of full-day pre-K is vast, especially when it comes to leveling the playing field between low-income children and their higher-income peers. A National Bureau of Economic Research study released this past May found that pre-K can reduce the achievement gap by up to 40 percent.
In New York City, the need to close this gap is particularly acute; 30 percent of our children live in poverty, with child poverty rates in certain neighborhoods exceeding 60 percent.
If we don't take decisive measures to improve the educational and life outcomes of these children, we are doing them a grave disservice.
We know that investments in pre-K education have among the highest payoffs of any government policy, with long-term benefits that far exceed the money spent. Investing in children early avoids costly outcomes like incarceration, special education, teen pregnancy, and future low earnings.
Additionally, we see no evidence that a tax on the wealthiest New Yorkers will be harmful to our city's economy. The supposed "tax flight" of high-earners has largely been debunked as a myth, including in an oft-cited National Bureau of Economic Research study showing little to no evidence that differing state income taxes affect migration.
It is time for Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state legislators — who must approve de Blasio's proposal — to do what the state set out to many years ago – be a national leader on early childhood education. It can begin doing that in New York City, while looking to reach the goal statewide, with a plan that is economically and morally sound.