New York City officials announced Tuesday a major investment to expand special education options at preschools.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said $67.5 million will be going toward hiring new staff and making specialized programs across 14 different districts.

This includes districts 14, 15, 20 and 21 in Brooklyn, and districts 7, 9, 10, 11 and 12 in the Bronx.

The expansion will provide children with quality, individualized instruction to strengthen academic, communication and social development inside and outside of the classroom, education officials say.

“Universal has to mean exactly that, universal,” says Mamdani. “Having a child with a disability or a special need should not be the exception to that rule. Every preschooler deserves to learn.”

The city says new staff will help reduce evaluation wait times, expand bilingual assessment options and help families navigate the individualized education program (IEP) process.