Starting today, March 7, you can submit a pre-k application by mail or
online. Applications are not considered on a first come first served basis, so take your time – you have until Friday, April 8 to submit an application. The Pre-Kindergarten Directory and application are available at your local elementary school,
borough enrollment office, and at the DOE
pre-k webpage.
Before you begin the application,
review the directory and become familiar with the Universal Pre-Kindergarten programs in your community. Take time to gather as much information as possible. Visit schools and attend open house events or tours.
Here are a few things to note about New York's Universal Pre-K programs:
- All universal pre-k programs are free of charge for children born in 2007 who reside in New York City
- Even though all 4 year olds are eligible, a seat in a public universal pre-k program is not guaranteed
- The application deadline is Friday, April 8, 2011
- Programs can be half day (two and a half hours, AM/morning or PM/afternoon) or full day (six hours and twenty minutes)
- Programs are housed in public schools or in community based organizations, and each has their own separate application process. You can find the CBO application online here.
- Public school spots are given by lottery. First preference for all universal pre-k programs in public schools is given to siblings of students already registered in a NYC public school. Additional admission priorities are detailed in the directory.
- Applications available by mail or online. To apply by mail, you need to get a printed application from this year's pre-k directory, available at all borough enrollment offices. The directory is also available online. You may apply for a number of schools in one submission and rank those schools by order of preference.
There are information sessions in each borough this week. Representatives from the Office of Student Enrollment and the Office of Early Childhood Education will be available at the sessions to answer your questions. Feedback from parents who attended the sessions last year was that all the information you need can be found in the directory or online at the DOE website. The sessions are often crowded and not well organized, but perhaps there will be improvements this year.
Pre-Kindergarten Information Sessions
All sessions will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Monday, March 7 - Queens
Long Island City High School
14-30 Broadway
Tuesday, March 8 - Bronx
Theodore Roosevelt Educational Campus
500 East Fordham Road
Tuesday, March 8 - Brooklyn
Sunset Park High School
153 35th Street
Wednesday, March 9 - Staten Island
New Dorp High School
465 New Dorp Lane
Wednesday, March 9 - Manhattan
Louis D. Brandeis High School
145 West 84th Street
Once your application is complete the waiting begins. Notifications are not sent out until early June.
Questions?
