Universal pre-kindergarten kicks off at Yokota Published Sept. 4, 2024 By Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander, high-fives a student during the first day of universal pre-kindergarten at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sept. 4, 2024. Department of Defense Education Activity pre-kindergarten helps prepare children for success in kindergarten and beyond by building foundational abilities in language, literacy and math. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Yokota, U.S. Forces Japan, 5th Air Force leadership cheered on students for their first day of universal pre-kindergarten at Mendel and Yokota West Elementary School, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sept. 9. U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander, shakes a student’s hand during the first day of universal pre-kindergarten at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sept. 4, 2024. Yokota and 5AF leadership arrived at Mendel Elementary School to cheer on the students as they entered the building. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Universal pre-kindergarten, an initiative set forth by the Department of Defense Education Activity, aims to provide free early childhood education opportunities to children that turned over four years of age on or before Sept. 1. DODEA universal pre-kindergarten helps prepare children for success in kindergarten and beyond by building foundational abilities in subjects like language, literacy and math. Approximately 45 children were welcomed to both Mendel and Yokota West Elementary Schools to kick off the program. U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Shaun Campbell, 5AF command chief, high-five students at Yokota West Elementary School after their first day of universal pre-kindergarten at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sept. 4, 2024. Department of Defense Education Activity pre-kindergarten helps prepare children for success in kindergarten and beyond by building foundational abilities in language, literacy and math. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Yokota Air Base is one of 80 schools to employ the universal pre-kindergarten initiative for the 2024-2025 school year. 10 more schools will be added at a later date to complete the second and third phases. “This is huge, from a parent perspective,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Richard McElhaney, 374th Airlift Wing commander. “We’re very supportive of DODEA and very appreciative of this opportunity for our children.”