What does this measure?

The number of children, age four or otherwise eligible for kindergarten in the following school year, enrolled in publicly funded prekindergarten programs, expressed as a percentage of all 4-year-olds.

Why is this important?

Early emphasis on reading and social skills prepares children to succeed later in their education.

How is the region performing?

In 2024, 42% of the Mid-Hudson Valley region's 4-year-olds were enrolled in publicly funded prekindergarten programs, down 36 percentage points from 2014, and 6 percentage points lower than the 48% rate for the state (excluding NYC). Participation in 2024 was highest in Greene and Ulster, with 49% of 4-year-olds enrolled, followed by Dutchess with 47% and Columbia with 45%. Prior to 2023, no Putnam County districts have participated in the state's preK program.

Among local school districts that participate in publicly funded preK (some do not), participation ranged from 21% of 4-year-olds in the Monroe-Woodbury Central school district to 100% in the Hunter-Tannersville district.

Notes about the data

Due to changes in the source of the data, results from 2017 onward may differ slightly from previous years. Prekindergarten enrollment through 2016 is as reported in New York State Education Department's (NYSED) School Report Card database. Enrollment for 2017 and onwards is provided by the NYSED's Office of Early Learning. Figures reflect children in free prekindergarten programs provided by school districts or community organizations; they do not include children attending private preschool or federally funded Head Start. In 1997, New York State enacted a law providing public support for prekindergarten, effective 1998.