Expansion of universal pre-kindergarten has been a long standing priority for the Assembly. However, according to education and childcare advocates, as well as parents, many children are still unable to access pre-kindergarten programs. While pre-kindergarten is an early education program, it encompasses a population of children who have traditionally been served by childcare providers. In some cases, the childcare provider or community based organization is the pre-kindergarten provider, in other instances, the school districts provide pre-kindergarten.

The New York State Assembly's Workgroup on Child Care is holding a roundtable to examine the interplay between pre-kindergarten and child care. As pre-kindergarten programs continue to expand across the state it is important to explore the impact pre-kindergarten has had on the child care industry and the families who utilize different day care models.

Persons wishing to participate in the above roundtable should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

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Persons wishing to participate in the roundtable to "Examine the interplay between child daycare and pre-kindergarten" are requested to complete this reply form by October 2nd and mail, email or fax it to: