3-K and Pre-K applications open citywide with guaranteed enrollment guarantee
On January 14, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels celebrated opening 3-K and Pre-K applications at child care center in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn. The initiative represents centerpiece of campaign pledges to provide universal child care by the end of Mamdani’s first mayoral term. Applications remain open through February 27, 2026, with enrollment guaranteed for any family applying by deadline. h3 Addressing Previous Administration Failures h4 Rectifying Cutbacks and Lost Outreach Mamdani criticized his predecessor’s approach, stating the previous administration “sought to not only cut funding for the program, but also to cut outreach and advertising about early childhood education.” This policy resulted in thousands of empty seats, particularly in neighborhoods with high immigrant and low-income family concentrations who stood to benefit most from public support. The U.S. Census Bureau reports child care costs represent approximately 10-15 percent of household income for many NYC families, making public options essential for economic mobility and financial security. h4 Reversing Inequitable Patterns Mamdani emphasized using “every tool at our disposal” to ensure parents know about available programs and registration options. Expanded outreach includes digital displays on TaxiTV and LinkNYC kiosks throughout the city’s five boroughs. The administration committed to guaranteeing any parent applying for seat will receive one, eliminating lottery systems that created uncertainty and stress. h3 How 3-K and Pre-K Applications Work h4 Open to All Families The program accepts children turning three or four years old during 2026 calendar year. Parents can apply through three convenient channels: online at myschools.nyc, telephone 718-935-2009, or in person at 13 Family Welcome Centers across all five boroughs. h4 Language Access and Accessibility Applications are available in 13 languages online with interpretation services covering over 200 languages through phone and in-person options at centers. Family Welcome Centers operate Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The phone line operates 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday for parent questions. h4 Non-First-Come, First-Served Process Families can apply anytime before February 27 deadline without risk of losing placement in preferred program. The non-competitive application process reduces stress for parents already juggling work and child care obligations. h3 Universal 2-Care Initiative h4 Expanding to Youngest Children Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Mamdani announced 2-Care, offering free child care to two-year-olds in New York City starting in highest-need neighborhoods. The program launches in the city’s most economically vulnerable neighborhoods, beginning with 2,000 children in year one of implementation. Full citywide implementation across all interested families will occur over four-year phase-in period. h4 State and City Partnership The state will fully fund the first two years of 2-Care program, representing substantial commitment to early childhood support and family affordability. Hochul emphasized in her State of the State address that universal early care represents strategic investment in economic mobility and long-term family stability. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development research demonstrates public investment in early childhood education yields returns exceeding 7 to 1 through improved educational outcomes and increased parental workforce participation. h3 Strengthening Existing Programs h4 Enhanced 3-K Expansion Beyond 2-Care, the administration committed to strengthening and expanding existing 3-K programs serving families with three-year-old children citywide. The mayor indicated placement will be located closer to families’ homes and schools, reducing commute times and transportation barriers. Schools Chancellor Samuels stated “every child, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves access to high-quality early childhood education.” h4 Child Care Subsidies The administration will expand subsidies for families exceeding income thresholds for free programs, recognizing that partial subsidies enable working families to remain in the city. h3 The Early Education Equity Framework h4 Focusing on Disadvantaged Communities The rollout prioritizes neighborhoods where families face greatest barriers to accessing quality early care options. This targeted approach recognizes that families with fewest resources need most support. h3 Standing with Vulnerable Communities Both Mamdani and Hochul emphasized that universal early care commitment reflects moral obligation to all New York families.
