Mayor Bill de Blasio says nine pre-k locations will not open on Thursday, and 36 other schools will be delayed.
Two days before the start of the city’s universal pre-K program, Mayor Bill de Blasio said nine pre-Ks won’t open, and 36 others will see a delay in opening.
The majority of the city’s 1,700 pre-Ks are expected to open as planned Thursday.
According to the mayor’s office, the nine locations had “at least one outstanding agency concern” after a recent inspection. The locations, which are expected to affect 265 children, are the Child Development Support Corporation (Clinton Hill), Rainbow Afterschool Program (Clason Point), Birch Family Services Center (East Flatbush), Manhattan Early Childhood Center (Washington Heights), Queens Early Childhood Center (Springfield Gardens), Watson Avenue Early Childhood Center (Parkchester), Rainbow Montessori (East Bronx), Alpha Academy (Jamaica) and Rising Stars Islamic School (Jamaica).
Earlier Tuesday, de Blasio said he felt“confident” about providing 50,000 children “full-day, high-quality pre-k.”
“There will be some programs that will be delayed, and what we know is there will be some programs that we decide don’t make the cut. We’ve projected that all along. That is not a glitch, that is following through on a specific plan, and if we don’t see what we’re looking for, we’re going to be aggressive in terms of protecting the health and safety of our kids.”
The mayor said parents looking for more information on pre-K locations and statuses can call 311.
