NYC 3-K Will Go Free Citywide In September, De Blasio Says

NEW YORK CITY — Free 3-K education will go universal in New York City starting in September, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced.

"This will be a huge expansion," he said Wednesday. "We’re adding for September 16,500 3-K seats and that will bring the total to over 40,000."

The expansion effectively will offer two years of free early childhood education for New York City youngsters before kindergarten.

When we came to office, Universal Pre-K in New York City was an idea, and one that cynics and critics said was impossible.

Today, it’s a model for the country that is inspiring new action at the national level. And with our 3-K expansion, we’re going even further. https://t.co/ke9NYjDV5z
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) March 24, 2021

A "3-K for all" program has been a long-held goal of de Blasio's, several City Council members and early childhood education advocates.

Some districts in the Bronx and Brooklyn have offered free early childhood education for 3-year-olds, but universal 3-K seemed a distant dream.

De Blasio, who recently counted universal kindergarten as his administration's signature achievement, kicked off his announcement with a simple statement: "Today the dream comes true."

De Blasio said federal stimulus funds from the recently-passed $1.9 trillion American Rescue Act will help fund the program, but he didn't offer a figure on cost other it will be a "substantial investment."

The expansion offers free 3-K across 32 school districts, said schools Chancellor Meisha Ross Porter.

Porter extolled the benefits of early childhood education in her own life.

"The best part is that it’s going to be free and it’s going to save New York City families about $10,000 a year, and so we can put that into a college savings plan,” she said.

A cavalcade of City Council members who've long pushed for universal 3-K joined de Blasio and Porter. Council Member Ben Kallos noted he has a 3-year-old daughter himself and said his family will be applying for the program.

"Mayor de Blasio, I've been asking for this for so many years, what will we talk about?" Kallos said.

After a 7-year fight, I'm proud & excited about the citywide expansion of 3K for All! After this past school year, this is a sigh of relief for so many parents.

Thank you @NYCMayor for staying true to the promise of making Universal Pre-K, and now 3K for All, a reality by 2021. pic.twitter.com/5q04NOy2yf
— Ben Kallos, NYC Council Member (@BenKallos) March 24, 2021

De Blasio said the ultimate goal for the program is about 60,000 slots for children.

Parents can apply for the program at myschools.nyc or by phone at 718-935-2009. They can find more information here.