Friend,

It's a big day here in New York City.

All across our city, kids are heading out for the first day of school. And though our son Dante turned 22 years old on Wednesday, Chirlane and I still remember waking him and his sister up on these mornings just like it was yesterday.

The best part about sending my children off to school back then was knowing they were prepared to get the best out of their education. Access to quality pre-K made a huge difference for our kids, and ultimately changed the lives of our family.

That's why my first goal as mayor was to provide free pre-K for every child in New York City -- and I did it.

If you're a caregiver with a kid in the universal pre-K program or a kid who finished pre-school elsewhere, share your story of what early education has meant for you.
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Earlier this week, my political director shared that he was sending his daughter off to kindergarten. He provided you with a personal take on how Pre-K for All has made a difference for Elyse.

We asked people like you to do the same, and the responses that came back were inspiring. Hector from Staten Island said it was "very helpful." Jascena from the Bronx said that because both of her sons completed universal pre-K, they were ready to "read and write sentences" by the time they started school.

Patrick from Queens said, "I remember vividly how my kids' mom used to struggle to get our first son to attend half-day pre-K while also nursing two younger kids. Memories of this make universal pre-K a godsend. All of our kids deserve a quality universal pre-K if they are to function in today's world."

We'd love to hear more about how access to quality early education has impacted your family. Share your story here.
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One of my first priorities as president will be to provide universal pre-K for every child in the United States -- as well as universal 3-K and full-day kindergarten. To teach these students, we'll also create 500,000 new teaching jobs in the next ten years.

Every child in every corner of this country deserves the early education that will set them on a course to a brighter future. To all of the parents and caregivers that are sending their children off to school today: enjoy every minute of it. The time goes by too quickly -- but the earlier they start, the stronger they finish.

Happy learning,

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