New Mexico increases funding for state pre-K program

New Mexico will pump in an additional $10 million into the state pre-K program for the next school year, bringing the program to 11 school districts for the first time.

The state Public Education Department announced the additional funding Thursday, opening up more than 1,500 additional pre-K spots to make about 6,800 slots available statewide.

The department says the state pre-K program will be present in 65 school districts and six state charters.

The state pre-K system consists of half- and full-day programs for 4-year-olds. Some programs are part of an elementary school and others are housed in separate facilities.

The funding increase will bring pre-K funding to $33.6 million for the next school year.