Friend,

Backpack: check. Notebook: check. Pencils: check.

Extra year of high-quality early childhood education: check.

My five year old, Elyse, starts Kindergarten tomorrow. She's a little nervous about finally going to "the big kids' school," but one thing her mom and I feel confident about: she's prepared. Thanks to Mayor de Blasio's Universal Pre-K (UPK) program, she's already had an entire year of quality, full-day education under her belt.

The most incredible part is that it was completely free. Yes, we literally spent more money on her new backpack than we spent on an entire year of early learning. And that's not just true for us, it's true for every family in New York City.

If you're a parent with a kid in the UPK system or a kid who finished pre-school elsewhere, share your story of what Universal Pre-K has meant for your family.
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I've been working on progressive political campaigns for over two decades, and one of the things I've learned is that voters can be pretty cynical. Many have lost faith in the idea that the government is actually on their side.

It's hard to blame them. After the financial collapse, the government bailed out the banks, but barely lifted a finger to help families facing foreclosure or drowning in student debt.

For me, Universal Pre-K is personal because of what it means for my own kids. But it's bigger than that. It's a reminder that when the government is actually on the side of the people, it can make a huge difference in their lives.

Not only does UPK mean saving roughly $10,000 on average for every family with a four-year old child, but it also means giving every kid a fair start in life.

What's your UPK or pre-Kindergarten story? Click here to share what early education has meant for your family.
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This is one of the reasons I joined Mayor de Blasio's campaign. When he talks about making big changes that really make a difference for everyday people, it's not just words. It's what he's been able to accomplish here in New York City.

The other night at bedtime, I asked Elyse what she wants to be when she grows up. She's still deciding between an artist, a shopkeeper, a writer, a builder, a doctor and, yes, a president. When kids get the type of early education they have in New York City, parents can tell their children "you can be anything you want" -- and actually mean it.

Let's continue the fight to expand Universal Pre-K,

Jon Green
Political Director
de Blasio 2020

P.S. I'd be a bad parent if I wrote this entire email and didn't also put in a quick word for my adorable three-year-old son, Theo. I asked him what he wants to be when he grows up too and he said "a poopyhead." He'll start UPK next September and I'm hoping his teachers will, um, expand his horizons a little. If you don't have a story, but you know someone who does, will you forward them this email and ask them to share their story?
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