Q&A
Increase in early childhood education demand and applications
1:37:54
ยท
109 sec
Council Member Krishnan questions Deputy Chancellor Hawkins about recent increases in early childhood education demand, citing statistics on three-k applications, childcare voucher usage, and special education seats.
- 27% increase in three-k applications from 2021 to 2024
- 82% increase in children using low-income childcare vouchers
- Only 2% increase in three-k offer rate despite 10,000 more applicants
- 450 students still awaiting early child education special seats
Shekar Krishnan
1:37:54
Thank you so much chair for hosting this important hearing.
1:37:58
It's and the reason for it is because as you're hearing we're all and I'm especially and extremely concerned about administration's approach to early childhood education.
1:38:08
The comments that Mayor Adams has made versus the reality on the ground of the large demand for early childhood education.
1:38:15
And I wanna talk about one center particular.
1:38:17
But before doing that just a couple of questions of the statistics to really highlight this disparity.
1:38:22
And I know you all with the charge you've been given are doing the best that you all can.
1:38:27
But are you aware that from 2023 to Sorry, from 2021 to 2024, there's been a 27% increase in the number of three k applications?
1:38:41
Were you aware of that?
Simone Hawkins
1:38:42
I am aware that there has been a significant increase in three k applications.
Shekar Krishnan
1:38:46
And are you also aware that in the first four months of twenty twenty five versus the first four months of twenty twenty four, ACS reported an 82% increase in the average number of children using low income childcare vouchers.
1:39:01
Were you aware of that jump?
Simone Hawkins
1:39:03
I was and was not aware of that specific number but I am aware that there was also an increase.
Shekar Krishnan
1:39:07
And are you also aware that while the mayor was saying that every child who wanted a three ks or pre k seat would get it, are you aware that between 2021 and 2024 the percentage of families who applied on time and received a three k offer increased only by 2% even though the number of applicants increased by 10,000?
Simone Hawkins
1:39:27
I am aware of that.
Shekar Krishnan
1:39:29
And you're also aware that, as of 01/30/2025, I think you all testified that about four fifty students were still awaiting early child education special seats.
Simone Hawkins
1:39:41
We are also aware of that.