Though hundreds of pre-K seats have been added throughout Queens for the 2016-2017 school year, there have been concerns about Hunters Point schools lacking in space to accommodate students.
With only three early education centers in this Long Island City neighborhood, the New York City Department of Education has come up with a solution to address this issue following complaints from parents in the area: a trailer classroom.
The “transportable classroom unit” (TCU) will be located on 49th Avenue off of 5th Street and can fit two classes with a total of 36 students, according to DNAinfo.
The seats will be offered first to students who are on the waitlist for the Pre-K Center, along with those on the waitlist for P.S./I.S. 78. Many of the children on the waitlist were offered seats at schools in neighboring areas like Astoria or Dutch Kills, but some families did not accept them because it is too far of a commute.
The trailer classroom will have its own bathrooms, play area, and meals offered in the space. These students will also be able to play on the playground at P.S./I.S. 78.
Two extra pre-K classes were added to the Pre-K Center in July, allowing 40 kids a spot for next school year. Though it helped some kids, it was not enough to accommodate everyone.
Eventually, the DOE’s plan is to open three new schools in Long Island City, with at least one located in Hunters Point.
“We’ll build on this progress and continue to work with families and partners in serving the Long Island City community,” Will Mantell, DOE spokesperson, said.
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Main image: Preschool students draw with colorful pencils
Photo credit: 123rf/petro
