Mayor de Blasio, along with city officials today announced the start of construction of a new STEAM-focused [science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics] Pre-K Center in Flushing Meadows – Corona Park.
The 306 seat state-of-the-art center is slated for 47-01 111th Street, will be fully ADA-accessible and include 17 pre-k classrooms, two exercise rooms and outdoor playground, and a community and parent room.
It will also offer students a robust STEAM education in partnership with the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI). Through this partnership, students and families will have direct access to resources available at the world-renowned New York Hall of Science, including specialized professional learning and coaching for teachers, and continuous opportunities for family and community engagement.
The Pre-K Center will be the first of its kind in New York City – pioneering a focus on early childhood STEAM education, and a leading partnership with a central cultural institution.
“Free, full-day, high-quality Pre-K puts our kids on the path to success, and we have made it a right – not a privilege – for every 4-year-old in New York City,” said de Blasio. “This new Pre-K Center is proof of our commitment to expanding Pre-K to meet the needs of every community, and investing in state-of-the-art STEAM education for our children.”
“This will be a top-flight Pre-K Center right here in Queens for the growing families of Corona starting September 2021,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. “Its coveted STEAM education will help open worlds of limitless opportunities for thousands of our children’s futures. Thanks to everyone for their tireless efforts to maximize safety at this site while preserving existing access to roads and highways for local residents.”
“We aim for our early education public schools to be the envy of the world. With advocacy for the introduction of cultural programming, increased investments in Arts, Sciences, and newer forms of thought and exploration — we strive for progress towards one singular goal: ensuring universal comprehensive education for every child in the State of New York. The passage of S.6250 paves the way for this construction and operation of a Pre-kindergarten center with a focus on instruction in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. That work will begin right here in Corona, Queens with the addition of state-of-the-art free, full-day Pre-K facilities following a STEAM model which strengthens local families and surrounding communities,” said State Senator Jessica Ramos (D- Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, parts of Astoria, Woodside).
“Pre-K is the foundation for Kindergarten which allows children to strengthen their social and emotional development. I am happy that 306 additional seats will be added in the Corona, Queens Community. I look forward to the completion of this school and its opening. I appreciate all the governmental partners who cooperated in making this a realty. Particularly the late Senator Jose Peralta and now Senator Jessica Ramos,” said Assembly Member Jeff Aubry (D–East Elmhurst, LeFrak City, and parts of Corona, Woodside, Jackson Heights and Elmhurst
“This center doesn’t just address the immediate needs of Corona’s kids, it also represents an investment in their future,” said City Council Member Francisco Moya (D-East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona, Flushing Meadows, LaGuardia Airport). “Providing for our children goes beyond finding a classroom for them — we have to nourish their imaginations and support their interests. This Pre-K, with help from its world-class STEAM program, will help our young New Yorkers explore their creativity and give them a head start on the skills that increasingly shape our world. I applaud all those who came together to make this possible.”
