How Universal Pre-K Found Its Way to NYC

Have you ever stepped into a classroom and felt something historic was happening—something bigger than the day's lesson plan?

That's exactly what Diane F. Grannum felt when she realized her life's work was more than a career. It was a calling. One that would help bring Universal Pre-K (UPK) to New York City and reshape early childhood education for over 50,000 four-year-olds.

In her book Creating the Universe: Universal Pre-K in the New York City Public School System 1995–2007, Grannum takes us inside the system, behind the scenes, and through the personal experiences that drove this city-wide movement. Let's discuss.

A Dream Born from Personal Pain

Grannum didn't grow up with the benefit of Pre-K. In fact, she didn't grow up with many of the emotional supports children need to thrive. Her childhood was marked by instability, silence, and unspoken trauma.

She was the quiet kid who blended in, but felt everything. And while no one asked how she felt, she remembered that emptiness. It stayed with her and motivated her to bring about change. 

From her early job as a teacher's assistant at 16 to supervising over 100 UPK programs across NYC, every step was shaped by a simple but powerful truth: kids need more than just academics—they need to be seen.

From Vision to Reality: How UPK Took Root

So how does a city as massive as New York roll out a program like Universal Pre-K?

It started with leadership.

Eleanor Grieg Ukoli, the visionary Director of Early Childhood Education, helped the NYC Board of Education respond to new state legislation quickly. Alongside Grannum and 63 other directors and assistant directors, Ukoli transformed a mandate into a movement.

Together, they mapped out classroom spaces, trained teachers, developed specialized curricula, and worked with community-based organizations to serve every borough. The mission was clear: reach every eligible four-year-old in every neighborhood.

However, there were hurdles. Funding was tight. Transportation was tricky. And working families needed more than half-day programs. Still, Grannum and her colleagues pushed forward because they'd seen what happened when early education didn't exist.

Education Reform Meets Political Change

If you think the only problems were logistical, think again. In 2002, the entire NYC school system underwent a major shakeup. Under Mayor Bloomberg's newly enacted mayoral control, leadership changed hands, philosophies clashed, and staff were asked to reapply for their own jobs.

Grannum herself had to compete for her role again. She secured the position of Region 9 Director of Early Childhood—but not without witnessing the painful loss of talented colleagues. Still, she stayed focused on the mission. 

Lessons from Georgia—and the White House

New York wasn't the first to experiment with universal Pre-K. Georgia's lottery-funded model provided inspiration, and Hillary Clinton's national push for early childhood education added momentum.

For Grannum, Clinton's advocacy hit home. Clinton understood that children were "too small to fail." That phrase wasn't just a slogan but a guiding principle for Grannum's work.

Clinton's policy goals echoed Grannum's values: universal access, affordable care, and better wages for childcare workers. In many ways, Grannum's local battles were part of a much bigger war for educational equity.

Why UPK Still Matters

UPK prepares children for life, not just school.

Grannum saw firsthand how emotional wounds from childhood could last a lifetime. She also saw how the right learning environment could help children heal, grow, and discover who they were meant to be.

Through her work, she made sure classrooms included more than crayons and ABCs. She infused them with emotional intelligence, trauma-informed care, and the kinds of social-emotional lessons that build self-worth.

One Woman, a City, and a New Grade Level

When Diane F. Grannum helped implement Universal Pre-K, she wasn't just adding a new grade to NYC's education system. She was filling a gap she understood. She was rewriting the story for children like she used to be.

And while the initiative has since grown to serve over 100,000 children annually, its roots remain personal. It's about one woman's belief that every child deserves to be seen.

Read Creating the Universe: Universal Pre-K in the New York City Public School System 1995–2007  or visit https://dianegrannum.com/ today.