New York: Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Governor Kathy Hochul, and Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels have announced that the City has extended nearly 100,000 3-K and Pre-K offers for the upcoming school year, with more families receiving offers to one of their top choice programs and average travel distances decreasing across the city.
The efforts, made possible by a more than $1.2 billion investment from the state to support early childhood care and education, have already resulted in more families receiving offers to their preferred 3-K program and fewer families ending up on waitlists.
“Every child deserves a strong start, and every parent deserves to know their child has a safe, high-quality place to learn and grow,” said Governor Hochul. “Today’s announcement ensures more families are able to access the 3-K opportunities they want, and provides universal 3-K and Pre-K to 100,000 families across New York City, giving more parents access to affordable child care in their own communities and setting up the next generation for success," she added.
This year, the percentage of families receiving their top 3-K choice increased from 65% to 70%, while the percentage receiving one of their top three 3-K choices increased from 80% to 84%.
While every family received a seat offer, the percentage of families receiving placements at programs not listed on their application decreased from 15% to 12%, helping ensure more families received offers they could realistically accept.
“Today’s announcement marks a new era for child care in New York City – one where families can trust that the government will deliver for them,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Across the five boroughs, families are traveling shorter distances, more children are receiving offers to their top-choice programs, and fewer parents are being forced to choose between unaffordable private care and leaving the city they love. This is what government excellence looks like.”
Last year, 720 families received 3-K offers outside their home borough, with most placements located more than three miles from home. This year, fewer than 200 families received out-of-borough offers, and all placements are within three miles from home.
