3-K - Growing Up NYC

3-K provides free, full-day, high-quality early childhood education for three-year-olds.

Apply to 3-K between January 10 - March 1,2024 for the 2024-2025 school year.
In New York City, you can apply to 3-K in the calendar year that your child turns three.
3-K programs are offered throughout NYC.
- Use MySchools to search for and learn about 3-K options.
- Your child has priority to attend 3-K programs in the district where you live.
Children can enroll in Full Day, Extended Day and Year, and Head Start seat types. Learn more.
3-K programs are offered throughout the five boroughs in different settings. Each setting offers a consistent DOE high-quality, play-based curriculum.

Who is eligible

All New York City families with children born in 2021 can enroll for the 2024-2025 school year. This includes children with disabilities or who are learning English.

Children do not need to be toilet trained to attend 3-K.

What you need to apply

View the pre-registration checklist to learn more about the documents you need to pre-register your child and accept their 3-K offer. For translated copies of the checklist, view the Documents section of the 3-K for All enrollment page.

How to apply

Apply for 3-K in one of these ways:

Online with MySchools. You can apply in English, Arabic, Bengali/Bangla, Chinese, Haitian Creole, French, Korean, Russian, Spanish, or Urdu.
By phone by calling 718-935-2009. Interpretation services are available in more than 200 languages.
In-person at a Family Welcome Center.

Eligible families can also apply for free or low-cost 3-K programs with an extended day and year, including Head Start. Eligibility is based on income and needs.