Don't tell Yonkers teacher Martha McKernan that pre-kindergarten is a frill, or an extra program not required by the state.

"Just take a look at what's happening in this classroom," she said. While many pre-schoolers cannot yet count to their age, one young boy was using a hands-on counter to do addition and subtraction problems.

Other youngsters in the Yonkers Montessori Academy classroom were eagerly at work manipulating puzzles, practicing their letters and watching Tillie the Turtle's every move.

"If it was up to me," the 16-year teaching veteran said, "I'd make it mandatory!"

But mandatory it's not, and in this incredibly difficult budgetary climate, too many pre-kindergarten programs in school districts around the state are in danger. They're falling victim just like other non-mandated areas, like music and art classes, after-school programs and Advanced Placement courses.

In Yonkers, where three-quarters of the students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, Superintendent Bernard Pierorazio said he'll have no choice but to eliminate the program, if the governor's proposed $22.3 million cut to the district's school aid becomes a reality.

"It would mean 1,600 4-year-olds will not have the opportunity to enter school,"

Pierorazio said. "It's unthinkable and unconscionable, but it may very well be necessary."

Other cuts on the table include an estimated 436 employees slated for layoff, the high school athletics program and transportation for many children from the neediest families.

Yonkers Federation of Teachers President Pat Puleo objects to all the proposed cuts and is working non-stop to convince state and federal lawmakers to increase funding.

She said eliminating the pre-kindergarten program would not only shut the door of opportunity on next year's 4-year-olds, it will end up costing more money in the long-run.

"It's undeniable that pre-school works and is a smart investment," Puleo said. "We have a 10-year report that actually proves it."

The November 2009 study, compiled by the district's central administration assessment office, compares academic performance and graduation statistics for students who attended the Yonkers pre-school program with those who did not. The 10-year analysis includes results on New York's English language arts and math exams in grades 3-8, as well as high school graduation rates.

Overall, across all years and grades, the proficiency benefit for students who attended Yonkers pre-K is substantial.

For example, on the 2008 English language arts exams in grades 3-8, an average of 64 percent of students who attended Yonkers pre-K achieved proficiency, compared to roughly 48 percent of students who did not attend Yonkers pre-K.

On the 2008 math exams, approximately 72 percent of students who attended pre-K scored at or above proficiency, while only 59 percent of students in grades 3-8 who did not attend Yonkers pre-K achieved proficiency. The 16 percent advantage in ELA proficiency and 13 percent advantage in math proficiency in 2008 were typical of the results found in all years of the study, Puleo said. The trend reflects a significant advantage gained through participation in pre-K.

In addition, the significant results continued through to graduation, including members of disadvantaged populations such as English language learners and students with disabilities. The results were comparable across ethnic groups and gender.

For Puleo, the possible elimination of the program is unthinkable.

"Less than three years ago, then-Gov. Spitzer visited our program to highlight us as an exemplary program and promote a dramatic statewide expansion of pre-K," Puleo said. "At the time, I certainly never anticipated we'd be talking about eliminating the program."

NYSUT has long supported the expansion of pre-K to ensure that more children enter school ready to succeed academically.

"We all know early childhood education is a smart investment," said NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira. "Yonkers does it right, by providing children with full-day programming by licensed teachers and teacher aides. The benefit of early education shouldn't be measured in dollars and cents. It's priceless."

For parents, "the loss of pre-K is non-negotiable," said Kelly Chiarella, president of the Yonkers Parent-Teacher School Association Council.

"How will these children be ready for kindergarten?" said Bobbie DiBattista, president of CSEA Local 860.

"If pre-K is not here, we'll have children left at home, many home alone and not getting the crucial early education they need. Our children deserve better."

NYSUT will continue to educate policymakers that it's their obligation to ensure our children have a fair start, Neira said.