School for the little ones: how 3-K and Pre-K work in New York

In NYC registration opened children to 3-K and Pre-K programs. This is something between a kindergarten and a school for children from 3 years old. Let's figure out how these programs work and why enroll a child in them.

Early learning programs in New York are optional. But they provide children with a good starting position before school - both socially and educationally.

How is a typical school day in 3-K and Pre-K

Every day, preschoolers are offered several types of activities - for the whole group, as well as in small interest groups. In addition, kids receive the necessary care: outdoor games; rest/sleep; lunches and snacks.

In total, the program is designed in such a way as to develop the following qualities in the child:

1. Early social and emotional skills, such as the ability to share, solve social problems, express their feelings and manage them.
2. Learning skills – problem solving, imaginative thinking and perseverance.
3. Basic reading and writing skills: understanding that letters have meaning and can be combined into words, and that reading and writing can be used to share information and ideas.
4. Primary Mathematics: the study of numbers, shapes, sorting and patterns.
5. Physical development and coordination.

How to apply for 3-K or Pre-K in New York

Apply for the 3-K Program in New York City, you can calendar yearwhen your child is three years old. That is, he does not have to be three years old at the time of the start of training, but he must reach the age of 3 during the calendar year when he began training. In 2023, parents of children born in 2020 can apply.

Apply to Pre-K in New York, you can calendar yearwhen the child turns four years. That is, parents of children born in 2019 must submit applications this year.

Application in 3-K and Pre-K in New York are accepted until March 10 2023 year.

You can apply in one of three ways:

• Online on MySchools.nyc;
• By phone 718-935-2009 (Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 18:00);
• Through Family Welcome Center.

Seats in NYC 3-K and Pre-K are limited and the City cannot guarantee seats for all eligible children.

You can learn more here to register: by phone 718-935-2009 or by e-mail: [email protected].

What documents are needed in order to register a child in 3-K or Pre-K

1. A document confirming the age of the child (birth / baptism certificate, passport)

2. Vaccination certificate (if available)

3. Latest report card/academic certificate (if available)

4. Two of the following proof of residence:

• lease agreement;
• a document for home ownership (deed) or an invoice for paying a mortgage loan (mortgage);
• a utility bill (gas or electricity) in the tenant's name from a utility company (such as National Grid or Con Edison) dated within the last 60 days;
• cable TV bill (in the name of the parent, including the address), dated within the last 60 days;
• A document or letter on official federal, state, or local government letterhead showing the name and address of the tenant, dated within the last 60 days;
• last invoice for property tax;
• a water bill in the name of the tenant dated within the last 90 days;
• receipt for rent, including home address and dated within the last 60 days;
• A valid local ID (including an IDNYC card) that includes your home address;
• tax return for the previous calendar year;
• a valid official driver's or learner's license issued by the State of New York;
• An official document from the employer, including a tax withholding form or pay stub (letter on official employer letterhead will not be accepted), including home address and dated within the last 60 days;
• voter registration documents showing the name and address of the parent;
• proof of guardianship, including a court order for guardianship or guardianship documents dated within the last 60 days and including the child's name and home address.

More details - here.