NY A08225

School districts must utilize 100% of their allotted Universal Prekindergarten funds as listed in the school aid computer listing produced by the commissioner each year

Facilities providing universal full-day pre-kindergarten must also utilize the totality of their awarded funds for the year

Exemptions are available if districts or facilities demonstrate that program utilization falls short due to insufficient demand for state-funded slots rather than other factors

School board trustees and facility board members who fail to fully utilize funds must complete a minimum of 12 hours of training on early childhood education, learning, and development by April 1st of the school year, with training repeated annually for each year of non-compliance

Districts or facilities citing insufficient classroom space as the reason for underutilization must submit a plan to address the space shortage