Grisanti announces $700,000-plus for City of Buffalo pre-K programs

State senator says funding was secured through a competitive grant

State Sen. Mark Grisanti today announced the City of Buffalo has been awarded $741,220 through a competitive grant to expand the available number of slots for full-day pre-kindergarten programs.

"This is great news for families in the City of Buffalo," Grisanti said. "Studies have (overwhelmingly) showed that the first few years of a child's life are critical for their cognitive development and learning. If we can expose children to education early on, then as students they will have a better chance for success in their later years of education."

Additionally, other studies have shown a cost-savings measure. According to the Center For Public Education, high-quality pre-k programs also provide substantial cost savings to federal, state and local governments. Numerous studies have shown a reduced use of special education services and lower grade retention among pre-K participants.