PRE-K PREDATORS

State loophole OKs sex offenders near tykes

A loophole in state law is allowing dozens of sex offenders to live near prekindergarten programs throughout the city, according to a report released Tuesday.

The report — based on an investigation by the state Senate Independent Democratic Conference — found that at least 93 convicted child molesters legally live within 1,000 feet of pre-K programs in the five boroughs.

The investigation also found that an additional 60 predators are violating state law by living within 1,000 feet of pre-K classes located within schools.

State law prohibits sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of schools — but there’s no provision covering standalone pre-kindergarten programs.

“What we found is mind-boggling,” said Sen. Jeff Klein (D-Bronx), the head of the IDC.

“With a growing number of students attending prekindergarten programs, this glaring loophole in the law allowing predators to live right next door to children must be closed.”

For three years, the GOP-controlled state Senate has passed a bill to close the pre-K loophole.

But each year, corresponding legislation has died in the Democraticcontrolled Assembly.

“Sometimes in the Assembly they feel that if you enhance any types of criminal penalties, somehow you have a disproportionate impact on our communities of color,” Klein said.

“In this case, certainly no one can say that we should be supportive of anyone who commits crimes against children.”

A spokesman for the Assembly did not return a message for comment.

The borough with the most sexual predators legally living near pre-K programs is Queens, with 33. The Bronx is a close second, with 32. There are 22 in Brooklyn, five in Manhattan and only one on Staten Island.

Cynthia Arroyo, who teaches at the Twinkle Star pre-K program in Inwood, said she plans to make calls to several Assembly members.

“It makes us feel unprotected,” she said of the loophole.