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Budget, Education & City Services
The lowering of the compulsory school age in New York City from 6 to 5 years of age
WHEREAS, Kindergarten is a valuable and necessary preparation for all children as they transition to attending school daily; and
WHEREAS, Compulsory education in New York City currently begins at age six, or first grade; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Kindergarten is not mandatory for New York City children and is offered only as an option; and
WHEREAS, According to DOE, 6,000 5-year-olds - or roughly eight percent of eligible children - did NOT attend Kindergarten last year in New York City; and
WHEREAS, The vast majority of these children - many of whom come from disadvantaged and low-income families - are the most in need of early education and enter first grade with no prior school experience, thereby starting their school years at an unnecessary further disadvantage; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, Community Board Five urges the City Council to pass a bill requiring the lowering of the compulsory age for public school in New York City from six years old to five years old.
The above resolution passed by a vote of 27 in favor; 4 opposed; 1 abstaining.