Pre-K

There are many quality Pre-K programs in New York City that are free of charge. Pre-K for All operates five days a week from September through June, offering full-day (6 hours and 20 minutes, or 5 hours) and half-day (2.5 hours and ) timetables. Children living in New York City who turn four years old are eligible to participate in the school year that begins in September of the same year.

Children born in 2013 are eligible to participate in Pre-K beginning in the fall of 2017. (as of 2017)

[ Type of Pre-K ]

NYCDOE Pre-K Centers: Programs operated by New York City Department of Education staff
NYCDOE District Schools: Programs located in public elementary schools
NYC Early Education Centers: Community-based organizations under contract with the NYC Department of Education and ACS
Charter Schools: Public schools that operate independently of the NYC Department of Education

[ Application Process ]
Check the Pre-K Finder for schools.
Apply during the application period (A) online (NYCDOE Student Enrollment Management System), (B) in person (Family Welcome Center), or (C) by phone at 718-935-2067. There are two application periods per year (Round 1 & Round 2).
Those who apply online will confirm their offer in their own account that they created. You can also call 718-935-2009 to confirm your offer.
If you accept the offer, make an appointment with the offered program by the deadline and bring the required documents to register for a lease with the same program with your child.
If you would like to look at other program options, you may apply during the second application period (Round 2), which includes new programs and programs that still have openings. The order is not based on the number of students.
If you are not offered the Pre-K program of your choice first, you will automatically be placed on a waiting list.

[ Required Documents ]
Proof of age of the child (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
Two proofs of address (e.g., rental agreement or mortgage, utility bill issued within 60 days, valid idNYC or driver’s license with current address, last year’s tax return, pay stub with address issued within 60 days)
*We will need to check the NYCDOE Pre-K page for application deadlines, etc. We encourage you to visit the NYCDOE Pre-K page or sign up via email.

[ Complaints ]
If you would like to file a complaint about Pre-K staff or facilities, please use the link below.
http://schools.nyc.gov/ContactDOE/ChancellorMessage.htm

[ 3-K for All ]
The New York City Department of Education is designing a program that will provide free access to quality education for children as young as three years old. Interested parties should gather information on the 3-K For All Interest Form.