If you reside in New York City and have a child born in 2011 your child is eligible to attend free Pre-K programs starting this September. The application period is open now until Friday April 24th.
The free Pre-K programs are available at NYC DOE district schools, NYC Early Education Centers (also called NYCEECs) and at charter schools. Some NYC DOE district programs provide a Dual Language where children are instructed half in English and half in the target language. Some NYCEECs also provide Enhanced Language Instruction that supports language development in the children’s native spoken language.
The Pre-K Directory and Directory Update which have all the information on where the programs are available can be downloaded from the NYC website here. The directories are also available in 9 different languages on the website. There are Pre-K Family Information Sessions happening this month. During these sessions families have the opportunity to meet DOE representatives and learn about available pre-K options. There will also have translation and interpretation services available at the information sessions.
The application can be submitted in three ways. Families can submit it online, in person at a Family Welcome Center or call 718-935-2067 to apply over the phone.
The same application is used for Pre-K programs at all district schools and full-day NYCEECs. Families choose up to 12 programs and list them in order of their preference. The application can be updated and resubmitted until the Friday, April 24, 2015 11:59pm deadline. If families are interested in half-day NYCEEC pre-K programs or pre-K programs at charter schools they need to contact the sites directly.
In June 2015 the Pre-K placement offers will go out via email and mail. If families didn’t receive their first choice, their child is automatically placed on a waitlist for all programs that they ranked higher on the application than the program where their child received a seat. If families don’t receive a seat there will be additional opportunities to find a pre-K program for your child. For more information families can call 718-935-2009.
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