Overview

• Mayor Eric Adams announced a $167 million investment to permanently fund New York City's 3-K and preschool special education programs starting in the next fiscal budget.
• The funding includes $112 million for free pre-K for 3-year-olds and $55 million for preschool special education, ensuring these programs are baselined into the city budget.
• Adams made the announcement alongside former Mayor Bill de Blasio, whose administration originally expanded the 3-K initiative, signaling a rare public collaboration between the two leaders.
• City Council leaders and advocacy groups welcomed the move but criticized it as insufficient, highlighting ongoing waitlists and unmet services for children with disabilities.
• The announcement comes as federal Head Start funding faces potential cuts under the Trump administration, adding urgency to local efforts to secure early childhood education resources.