In an effort to provide the children in New York State with an early and quality education, there has been a serious push to open Department of Education approved pre-schools. Much more than a daycare-like setting, pre-schools in New York State are practicing early childhood education, including skills like reading, writing and basic math and science. Many of the pre-schools now offer a well-balanced instructional program based on research by the state. Rather than a structured play place, pre-school is now comprised of intentional instruction, research-based curriculum and a systemic evaluation and progress monitoring system. This early education is the basis for a solid future full of success and growth.

Teachers of the pre-school level in New York State are much more qualified than they used to be. Educators must now possess a four-year degree leading to teacher certification in early childhood education, making them highly qualified to lead a pre-school class. There is extensive professional development and parental involvement, giving both teachers and parents a firm understanding of the goings on in a pre-school classroom. Pre-school in New York State has evolved into an extension of the Kindergarten through high school education, adhering to state standards and helping children to get a jump-start on the educational process. Pre-school graduates are often more prepared for Kindergarten not only academically but also socially, an important part of education. There has even been a shift in education to support a Universal Pre-K program in New York State, making quality and publicly funded pre-school available to all four-year olds in the state. Such a movement is testament to the fact that New York State pre-school is a stand out among other states in the nation.