ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - It's almost time for Minnesota's new preschool program to launch.

Gov. Mark Dayton and his top education official were set to announce Monday what schools will receive funding to offer preschool this coming school year. Public school districts and charter schools are in the mix.

It culminates Dayton's years-long effort to expand early education options. The Democratic governor had originally pushed for a statewide voluntary preschool initiative but faced resistance in the Republican-controlled House.

The 2016 law provides $25 million for a phased-in preschool program that targets impoverished school districts without early education options. It's expected to allow about 3,700 more 4-year-olds to attend preschool.

Minnesota lawmakers passed a statewide kindergarten program in 2013.

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