1. How it Works
Pre-K programs help children get a strong start in school and life. Your child can learn to problem-solve, ask questions, and explore the world around them in a safe, nurturing learning community.
- Apply to pre-K for the 2025-2026 school year between January 15, 2025 to February 28, 2025.
- In New York City, children begin pre-K in the calendar year they turn four.
- Pre-K programs offer Full day, Extended Day and Year and Head Start seat types, each with their own eligibility requirements. Learn more.
- Pre-K programs are offered throughout the five boroughs in three settings. Each setting offers a consistent DOE high-quality, play-based curriculum. Settings might be:
- select public elementary schools,
- Pre-K centers run by NYCDOE staff, and
- community-based organizations (CBOs).
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Related
All New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status Child Care Education Families with childrenMore ways to get help with this program
Visit the website
Visit the NYC DOE Pre-K website to learn more about the pre-K admissions process.
Email Pre-K admissions
Email [email protected] if you have questions about getting into pre-K.
Call 311
Ask for Pre-K For All.
2. Determine your eligibility
All NYC children born in 2021 can enroll for the 2025-2026 school year. This includes children with disabilities or who are learning English.
Children do not need to be toilet trained to attend pre-K.
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3. What you need to include
View the pre-registration checklist to learn more about the documents you need to pre-register your child and accept their Pre-K offer.
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4. How to apply
Apply online
Apply on MySchools from January 15, 2025 to February 28, 2025. You can apply in English, Arabic, Bengali/Bangla, Chinese, Haitian Creole, French, Korean, Russian, Spanish, or Urdu.
You can also find half-day pre-K programs in MySchools.
Apply by phone
Enroll over the phone by calling 718-935-2009.
- Apply from January 15, 2025 to February 28, 2025.
- Interpretation services are available in more than 200 languages.
Apply in person
Apply at a Family Welcome Center from January 15, 2025 to February 28, 2025.
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