Early education for three-year-olds

3-K | NYC Department of Education (DOE)

Education Toddler Pre-Schooler

The application for 3-K for All is open! Learn more about the program on this page, and be sure to apply by April 14.

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.


How to get help

  • Visit the 3-K website to find out more information.
  • Call 311 if you have questions about 3-K.
  • Email 3-K admissions at [email protected] if you have questions about 3-K.

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Updated January 23, 2024