Calling all New York City families with little ones getting ready to start pre-K in the fall! The time is now to apply for free pre-K enrollment! If you live in New York City and your child was born in 2011, he or she is eligible to attend a free, high-quality pre-K program starting in September 2015.
The application period runs from Monday, March 16, 2015 to Friday, April 24, 2015.
All pre-K programs offered through the NYC Department of Education are free and the application process can easily be completed online. Click HERE to start your application. You can also apply in person at a designated Family Welcome Center. The online application is available in 10 languages. If you apply over the phone or in person, interpretation services are available in over 200 languages. The process is not first-come-first-serve, so all applicants need not worry–you have until the April 24 deadline to submit your application.
Pre-K programs are available at NYC Department of Education district schools, NYC Early Education Centers (NYCEECs), and charter schools. Some district programs provide a Dual Language option that offers instruction in two languages—half in English and half in the target language—with the aim of enabling students to become bilingual. Some NYCEECs provide Enhanced Language Instruction that supports language development in the native languages spoken by children. Additionally, children with disabilities and/or special education requirements are encouraged to participate in the application process.
You can use the same application for pre-K programs at all district schools and full-day NYCEECs, and you can choose up to 12 programs and list them in order of preference. You can update and resubmit your application until the April 24, 2015 deadline.
To learn more about NYC’s free pre-K options and application process (including a directory of participating programs, , click HERE!
