3-K and pre-k for All

3-K for All is New York City’s free, full-day, high quality early education initiative for 3-year olds. Open to NYC families with children born in 2016, 3-K for All programs help lay critical foundations for children to grow, learn, and explore the world around them.  

Currently, 3-K for All programs are available in Districts 7 (South Bronx) and 23 (Brownsville, East New York, and Ocean Hill). It is the DOE’s goal to bring 3-K for All programs to every school district in the City.

Pre-K for All is New York City’s free, full-day, high quality pre-kindergarten program. Open to NYC families with children born in 2015, Pre-K for All provides children in all five boroughs with safe learning environments that enable them to explore, create, and participate in engaging learning activities while interacting with other children and educators. Each pre-k school and program under Pre-K for All partners with the New York City Department of Education (DOE) to support their young learners.

Studies show that early childhood education provides children with stronger math and reading skills in elementary school while also providing them with better chances of success later in life.

Schedule

Pre-K for All programs run five days per week, from September to June. Most Pre-K options operate on a full-day schedule (6 hours and 20 mins), though some Pre-K programs operate on a half-day schedule (2 hours and 30 minutes).

Dual Language Options

Some pre-k programs provide a Dual Language option that offers instruction in two languages—half in English and half in the target language—with the aim of enabling students to become bilingual. Dual Language programs are indicated on the DOE’s Pre-K Finder. If you wish to apply to both the Dual Language and general education options at a pre-k program, you must list both options on your application.

In addition, some NYC Early Education Centers (NYCEECs) provide Enhanced Language Support programs that offer additional supports for children whose home language is a language other than English. Enhanced Language Support programs are indicated on the DOE’s Pre-K Finder.

Students with Disabilities

All NYC families with children born in 2015, including students with disabilities, may apply to pre-k programs for the 2019-2020 school year. Many preschool students with disabilities can receive their special education services at general education pre-k programs. Families who require services that cannot be provided by a general education pre-k program will work with their local Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) to identify programs that meets their children’s needs. Children who already have Individualized Education Programs (IEP), will be placed into pre-k programs that align with their IEP service and accommodation recommendations. For more information, visit the DOE’s Students with Disabilities website.

Additional Questions

Contact 718-935-2009, or visit the DOE’s Pre-K for All website.