Pre-K

Education | NYC Department of Education (DOE)

All New Yorkers regardless of immigration statusFamilies with childrenToddlerPre-Schooler

Pre-K gives your child a strong start through play-based learning. Children develop problem-solving skills, ask questions, and explore in a safe, nurturing environment.

Heads Up

Apply by February 27, 2026 for the 2026-2027 school year.When can my child start? Children can begin pre-K in the calendar year they turn four. This year, all kids born in 2022 are eligible.What seat types are available? Programs offer Full Day, Extended Day and Year, and Head Start seats. Each type has different eligibility requirements (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/pre-k) . Where are programs located? Pre-K programs are available across all five boroughs in three settings:
  • Select public elementary schools
  • Pre-K centers run by NYCDOE staff
  • Community-based organizations (CBOs)All settings provide the same high-quality, play-based DOE curriculum.

    • Eligibility

    All NYC children born in 2022 can enroll for the upcoming school year. This includes children with disabilities (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enrollment-help/meeting-student-needs/students-with-disabilities) and new English speakers (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enrollment-help/meeting-student-needs/students-learning-english) .Children do not need to be toilet trained to attend pre-K.

    Required Documents

    View the pre-registration checklist (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/docs/default-source/default-document-library/pre-registration-checklist) to learn more about the documents you need to pre-register your child and accept their Pre-K offer.

    How to Apply

    Apply to Pre-K in one of these ways:

  • Online with MySchools (https://www.myschools.nyc/en/) . You can apply in English, Arabic, Bengali/Bangla, Chinese, Haitian Creole, French, Korean, Russian, Spanish, or Urdu.
  • By phone by calling 718-935-2009 (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enrollment-help/family-welcome-centers) . Interpretation services are available in more than 200 languages.
  • In-person at a Family Welcome Center (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-in-charter-schools/pre-k-charter-schools) .Eligible families can also apply for free or low-cost pre-K programs with an extended day and year, including Head Start. Eligibility is based on income and needs. You can also find half-day pre-K programs and charter school pre-K program in MySchools.

    Online

    Apply on MySchools (https://www.myschools.nyc/en/) from January 14, 2026 to February 27, 2026. 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 for Pre-K

    Get Help

  • Visit the NYC DOE Pre-K website (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/pre-k) to learn more about the pre-K admissions process.
  • Email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) if you have questions about getting into pre-K.

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