NYC Launches 3-K and Pre-K Applications to Boost Access and Reduce Family Travel Burdens

New York City officials have launched applications for 3-K and pre-K programs, aiming to improve access for children and reduce travel burdens for families. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels announced that parents can apply for these programs until February 27, 2026, and they emphasized the City’s commitment to ensuring that children can enroll in nearby education programs, rather than traveling across the city for care.

The new measures include aggressive outreach strategies to inform families about the available programs. Mayor Mamdani highlighted the importance of using various platforms, such as TaxiTV and LinkNYC, to ensure that all New Yorkers are aware of the enrollment opportunities. “We are using every tool at our disposal to promote accessibility,” said the Mayor during a visit to a Cypress Hills childcare center. Families can apply at the myschools.nyc website or contact a designated hotline for assistance, which is available in 13 languages. Additionally, the City has established 13 Family Welcome Centers across the boroughs to offer in-person support.

Chancellor Samuels noted that the application process does not operate on a first-come, first-served basis, alleviating urgency for families concerning enrollment. “Every family that applies by the deadline will receive an offer,” he confirmed, ensuring that all interested families can access these essential programs.

To further address local enrollment needs, the administration will implement structural changes to provide seats closer to families’ homes. This strategy aims to increase the likelihood that children will attend nearby facilities, which is critical for those parents who cannot afford long commutes. Testimony gathered during recent communications has revealed that parents often face significant challenges when required to transport young children long distances for school (Source: https://youtu.be/M23PisrzeNU&t=6451).

The Mayor’s office is also collaborating with Governor Hochul to enhance childcare initiatives, such as the ambitious universal 2-Care program aimed at providing care for two-year-olds alongside the existing 3-K initiative. These investments are intended to extend affordable childcare to nearly 100,000 more children throughout New York City by 2028, significantly alleviating financial pressures on families (Source: https://youtu.be/OKscEdO36Gw&t=744).

As the enrollment period begins, there remains an emphasis on equity and accessibility. Both the Mayor and Chancellor reaffirmed that the rollout of these programs will focus on high-need neighborhoods, taking careful consideration of community feedback to effectively meet local demands (Source: https://youtu.be/IbSlwbCLHbw&t=182).