Accepting an Offer

If your child gets a 3-K offer, you must accept the offer by pre-registering with the program where you got the offer. Pre-registration secures your child's 3-K seat at that program.

Contact the program to schedule a time to pre-register. Be sure to accept your offer even if you are waitlisted at another program.

Waitlists

Your child will be automatically added to the waitlist for any program you ranked higher on your 3-K application than the program where your child got an offer, or for all programs on your application if you did not get an offer.

Programs will contact you directly if they are able to offer your child a seat from the waitlist.

Program Districts

3-K for All programs are located in all school districts.

Program Options

There are three types of 3-K programs:

• Department of Education (DOE) Pre-K Centers are led and operated by DOE staff.
• District School programs are located within public elementary schools.
• NYC Early Education Centers (NYCEECs): are offered by community-based organizations that contract with DOE or the Administration for Children's Services (ACS).

Find a 3-K Program

You can get 3-K program locations and contact information online or by phone.

You should contact programs directly for specific program information, including schedules, extended hours, and information on summer availability.

Online

Eligibility

To be eligible for 3-K, a child must be:

• A New York City resident
• 3 years old by December 31 of the year of enrollment

Admissions Priorities and Regulations

When there is not enough space at a program for all its applicants, offers are made by the NYC Department of Education based on admissions priorities. Admissions priorities are different for each 3-K program type. You can learn more online.

Get 3-K enrollment information.

What to Bring to Register

To register your child for school, you must bring:

• Two proofs of address
• Proof of the child's age, such as a birth certificate, passport, or record of baptism
• Your child's immunization records
• Latest report card/transcript (if available)
• Individualized Education Program (IEP) and/or 504 Accommodation Plan (if applicable and available)

All children under the age of 5 years (6-59 months) are required to receive the flu shot if they attend a New York City regulated preschool or child care center. Visit the Flu Shot and Prevention page to learn more.

Proof of Address

Bring two of the following to prove your address:

• Income tax form for the last calendar year
• State, City, or other government-issued identification (including an IDNYC card) which isn't expired, and includes the address of residence
• Official NYS Driver License, Non-Driver ID card, or learner permit which isn't expired, and includes the address of residence
• A rent receipt, which includes the address of residence, dated within the past 60 days
• A residential utility bill (gas or electric) issued by National Grid, Con Edison, or the Long Island Power Authority dated within the past 60 days
• Water bill for the residence dated within the past 90 days
• A cable bill for the residence, which includes the name of the parent and the address of residence, dated within the past 60 days
• Documentation or a letter on letterhead from a federal, state, or local government agency dated within the past 60 days that includes the resident's name and address. Examples of agencies include:
  • Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
  • New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)
  • The federal Office of Refugee Resettlement
  • Human Resources Administration (HRA)
  • Administration for Children's Services (ACS) or an ACS subcontractor
• A lease agreement, deed, or mortgage statement for the residence
• A current property tax bill for the residence
• Official payroll documentation from an employer issued within the past 60 days that includes the home address, A letter on the employer's letterhead isn't adequate. Examples include:
  • Paystub with home address
  • Form submitted for tax withholding purposes
  • Payroll receipt
• Voter registration documents that include the name of the parent and the address of residence
• Unexpired membership document based upon residency, such as neighborhood residents' association, which includes the name of the parent and the address of residence
• Evidence of custody of the child, including judicial custody orders or guardianship papers issued within the past 60 days that includes the name of the student and the home address

If you are interested in 3-K for All, you should also consider an EarlyLearn NYC or Head Start program for your child. Eligible families with children from 6 weeks through 4 years old can apply for free or low-cost child care and educational programs at locations citywide.

For information about EarlyLearn NYC or Head Start program, go to the Head Start page.

For other early childhood education programs and financial assistance information, go to the Child Care Financial Assistance page.

You can get more information about 3-K and help with enrollment.

Online

Visit the 3-K website to:

• Read the NYC 3-K Admissions Guide
• Find open house dates
• Sign up for email updates
• Request a call

Get 3-K enrollment information.

By Phone