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Education

Free Pre-K for four-year-olds

Pre-K for All (Pre-K) | NYC Department of Education

1. How it Works

In free, full-day, high-quality Pre-K, teachers spark wonder and ignite learning in children. Pre-K for All gives children stronger math and reading skills in elementary school and a better chance at success in life. Studies show that early childhood education improves performance throughout a child’s school experience.

Update: The pre-K application deadline has been extended. The deadline to apply is now March 29, 2020.

  • Applications for the 2020-2021 school year open on February 5, 2020.
  • Apply online, by phone, or in person.
  • Available for students with disabilities and students learning English.
  • Requires proof of address and child’s age.

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2. Determine Your Eligibility

Related

Children (0-13) Education Families Immigrants NYCHA residents Students

2. Determine your eligibility

All New York City families with a child born in 2016 can apply to Pre-K for All starting February 5, 2020.

Take a short survey to see if you might be eligible for this or 30 other programs.

Am I Eligible?

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3. What You Need to Include

3. What you need to include

It’s important to include the right documents when you apply. Your documents show whether the program is right for you.

This page can help you choose the right documents for your application.

Proof of who you are

For each person applying, any one document:

  • Birth certificate
  • Passport
  • Baptismal or another religious certificate

Proof of where you live

Proof of having health insurance

Proof of immunization records

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4. How to Apply

4. How to apply

Here are your options.

Apply online

Applications for the 2020-2021 school year open on February 5, 2020. When the application opens:

  1. Use MySchools to look at different programs before applying. Type in your address to see programs near you.
  2. Apply for the program(s) of your choice.

Update: The pre-K application deadline has been extended. The deadline to apply is now March 29, 2020.

Apply online

Apply by phone

Apply in person

Come back to it later.
We can send you a link to this page to help you get back to it when you’re ready.

More ways to get help with this program

Visit the website

Visit the Pre-K website to find a program and learn more.

View the 2020 NYC Pre-K Admissions Guide to learn about the Pre-K application process.

Email Pre-K admissions

Email Pre-K admissions if you have questions about getting into Pre-K.

 

Call 311

Ask for Pre-K For All.

Call Pre-K admissions

Call 718-935-2009 if you have questions about getting into Pre-K.

Email Family Welcome Centers

To help stop the spread of coronavirus, Family Welcome Center buildings are temporarily closed, but staff members are working remotely to support families. You can email your questions about enrollment, offer information, waitlists, and more to:

Bronx ,  Brooklyn , Manhattan , Queens, Staten Island

Staff are aiming to respond to all email requests within 48 hours by email.