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 2023-2024 school year by March 10, 2023.
- 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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More 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 ESEnrollment@schools.nyc.gov if you have questions about getting into pre-K.
Call 311
Ask for Pre-K For All.
2. Determine your eligibility
All NYC families with children born in 2018 can enroll for the 2023-2024 school year.
Children with disabilities or who are learning English can attend pre-K for all.
Children do not need to be toilet trained to attend pre-K.
Take a short survey to see if you might be eligible for this or 30 other programs.
Am I Eligible?Next section:
3. How to apply
Here are your options.
Apply online
Apply on MySchools by March 10, 2023. 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 by March 10, 2023.
- Monday-Friday between 8am and 6pm.
- Interpretation services are available in more than 200 languages.
Apply in person
Apply at a Family Welcome Center by March 10, 2023.
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