NEWYORK:Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels celebrated the opening day of 3-K and Pre-K applications with a visit to a 3-K and Pre-K child care center in Cypress Hills.
The application is open until February 27, 2026 and parents of kids turning 3 or 4 years old this year are encouraged to apply at myschools.nyc.
Mayor Mamdani released a new video encouraging New Yorkers to apply for 3-K and Pre-K, marking the start of an aggressive outreach by the new Administration effort to help families apply and enroll. This video will be featured on TaxiTV and LinkNYC.
“New Yorkers have until February 27 to apply for 3-K and Pre-K, and we’re using every tool at our disposal to get the word out,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
“Whether on TaxiTV, LinkNYC, or out in your neighborhood, my Administration will be working tirelessly to ensure that New Yorkers know their government is here to serve them. So if you have a child turning 3 or 4 this year, you can apply by visiting myschools.nyc, calling 718-935-2009, or visiting one of our 13 Family Welcome Centers.”
“Every child, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves access to a high-quality early childhood education, and no parent should have to make tough decisions to ensure that their kids are set up for lifelong success,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels.
“I am proud to partner with Mayor Mamdani to get the word out about open 3-K and pre-K applications, while creating systems and programs to support continuity of care for our families.”
Applications are not accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so families should feel free to apply anytime between today and February 27. Any family that applies by the deadline will receive an offer.
The City’s Family Welcome Centers are open Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Fridays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Families can call 718-935-2009 from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
This application cycle comes on the heels of Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul’s historic announcement delivering 2-Care to New York City. As envisioned by the Mamdani Administration, the first year of 2-Care will focus on high-need areas selected by New York City and expand to serve all interested families across the city by year 4.
The Mayor will also be partnering with the Governor to strengthen and fix the city’s 3-K program and ensure it achieves its promise of universal access.
