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Ad Blitz Urges Parents To Sign Up For Universal Pre-K As Deadline Fast Approaches

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Now that the fight about how to pay for universal pre-kindergarten is over, the push to get families to sign up is beginning.

As WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reported, the state has just finished signing up to finance it and already the deadline is looming for parents to get on the list for full-day universal public school pre-k for their 4-year-olds.

Ad Blitz Urges Parents To Sign Up For Universal Pre-K As A Deadline Fast Approaches

"We have three weeks for parents to apply for this first wave of new pre-K seats, we want to make sure the word gets out with every tool," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "The first wave of applications, the deadline is April 23."

The mayor said the city is spending $300,000 to push it with an ad campaign called Opportunity Starts Now.

"You'll see more and more of it in our subways, our buses and on our bus shelters," said de Blasio.

There also will be ads in taxis cabs and announcements when you're on hold with 311. The city will also distribute a how to apply guide with information written in nine languages.

Besides public school pre-K options, parents will also be able to sign their children up for community-based organization pre-K programs. The independent groups will manage their own application processes.

The city expects to receive more applications for the public school pre-K seats than there are slots. The mayor urged parents to apply to any and all available options.

For more information of universal pre-K, click here.

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