North Rockland Central School District was awarded over $2.4 million to expand their early childhood education programs.

The New York state Department of Education awarded the district on Wednesday to expand access to free Universal pre-K programs.

District officials say the money will allow North Rockland to convert 200 half-day pre-K seats into full-day seats.

They also say the district will offer 480 full-day placements and 23 half-day placements during the next academic year.

"We know that many children in our school community need additional support before starting kindergarten and we're confident that this additional funding will help meet some of those needs," North Rockland Central School District Superintendent Kris Felicello said.

UPK is a federally funded program, and the only eligibility requirements are a child's residency and age.