All About 3-K for All and Pre-K for All

History and Expansion

New York City is leading the nation in making early childhood education accessible for all. 

During the 2018-2019 school year, New York City successfully enrolled nearly 68,000 children in free, full-day, high-quality, Pre-K. Building on the success of Pre-K, NYCPS (New York City Public Schools) expanded 3K, offering 5,000 three-year-olds free, full-day, high-quality, early childhood education in School Districts 4 (East Harlem), 5 (Harlem), 7 (South Bronx), 16 (Bedford-Stuyvesant), 23 (Brownsville, East New York, Ocean Hill), and 27 (Broad Channel, Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Rockaways). 

Pre-K 

In January 2014, Mayor Bill de Blasio transformed Early Childhood Education in New York City with his commitment to implement universal Pre-Kindergarten, which means providing access to free, full-day, high-quality Pre-Kindergarten to every four-year-old, regardless of family income. At that time, approximately 20,000 students were enrolled in full-day Pre-K in the city. Today the city offers free, full-day Pre-K to nearly 68,000 four-year-olds. 

Within four years, the historic initiative more than tripled the number of four-year-olds enrolled in Pre-K. Today, every four-year-old in New York City is guaranteed a seat in a free, full-day, high-quality, Pre-K program. 

3K 

In 2017, NYCPS (New York City Public Schools) furthered its commitment to high-quality early childcare and education with the launch of 3K. It is the most ambitious effort in U.S. history to give every three-year-old in New York City the same high-quality education for free. The path to 3K started in School Districts 7 (South Bronx) and 23 (Brownsville, East New York, Ocean Hill). 

Today, the City has expanded to offer 3K to as many to as many families as possible.

Why Teach Early Childhood Students 

The research is clear: high-quality early childhood education helps children build the strong foundation of skills, knowledge, and approaches to learning necessary to succeed in school and life. Through 3K and Pre-K, we have made a commitment to give every child in NYC—in every community, neighborhood and district—the same opportunity to become a strong student and enthusiastic learner. 

Research shows that two years of early childhood education: 

• Helps develop critical vocabulary, oral language, and problem-solving skills 
• Establishes strong partnerships with families 
• Raises academic success across all income and racial groups 

Our city’s committed, passionate early childhood teachers make these historic achievements possible. 

We are seeking enthusiastic and effective teachers to staff 3K and Pre-K classrooms.  

Apply Now