NYC Launches Urgent Outreach for Pre-K and 3K Enrollment Ahead of February Deadline

New York City officials are ramping up efforts to inform families about the registration deadline for Pre-K and 3K programs, set for February 27, 2026. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels emphasized the urgency to apply for these vital educational programs during a recent media roundtable held at City Hall.

The city is employing multiple outreach strategies to raise awareness about the enrollment process. Families can apply online at myschools.nyc, call a dedicated hotline, or visit one of the 13 Family Welcome Centers located across the boroughs for in-person assistance. The application process supports numerous languages, making it accessible for a diverse population, and interpretation services are available in over 200 languages (Source: https://youtu.be/cWUntAl0xeo&t=87).

During the meeting, Mayor Mamdani reassured parents, noting that the program does not operate on a first-come, first-served basis. He stated, “Any family that applies by the deadline will receive an offer,” which aims to alleviate concerns about urgency and competition among applicants (Source: https://youtu.be/cWUntAl0xeo&t=1282). This approach is particularly important for families from immigrant communities who may hesitate to trust government initiatives.

The Mayor’s office is also focusing on direct engagement with communities. He urged attendees of the media roundtable to spread the word, saying, “New Yorkers listen most to other New Yorkers,” and encouraging local outreach to ensure families who might not typically stay updated with official announcements still receive critical information (Source: https://youtu.be/cWUntAl0xeo&t=96).

Two recent initiatives aim to enhance accessibility: funding for outreach teams and promotional materials, such as posters in local businesses and schools. These efforts are intended to create consistent messaging about the registration deadline, emphasizing the significance of early childhood education not just for individual families but for the city as a whole (Source: https://youtu.be/cWUntAl0xeo&t=1055).

Chancellor Samuels highlighted that the city is actively identifying ways to increase program capacity, particularly by adding seats closer to neighborhoods with historically lower enrollment rates. This change seeks to remove barriers for families who might otherwise struggle with long commutes that disrupt daily routines (Source: https://youtu.be/cWUntAl0xeo&t=1997).

In summary, New York City is taking proactive steps to ensure families are informed and supported as they navigate the application process for Pre-K and 3K programs. With the February 27 deadline rapidly approaching, officials are using a multi-faceted approach to reach and assist all eligible families in the city.