These UES ZIP Codes Are Getting New Free 3-K Seats

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — New York City will add more than 1,000 new, free 3-K seats across 56 ZIP codes this fall, and three of the ZIP codes are on the Upper East Side.

The new seats are part of Mayor Zohran Mamdani's plan to expand access to early childhood education in neighborhoods across all five boroughs and broaden the city’s free preschool program for 3-year-olds.

"For too long, families were promised universal 3-K but offered seats miles away — forcing them to pay out of pocket for child care or leave the city," Mamdani said. "By making 3-K truly universal, we’re building a city where every New Yorker can afford to raise a family."

The Upper East Side ZIP codes with added free 3-K seats are:

• 10021 — Lenox Hill
• 10065 — Lenox Hill
• 10128 — Carnegie Hill/Yorkville

The expansion adds seats in more than half of the city’s 32 school districts.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the expansion builds on broader efforts to expand access to child care across the state.

"New York's families thrive when our kids are supported and families aren't burdened by the costs of childcare," Hochul said. "I'm proud to partner with Mayor Mamdani to expand 3-K to more families across all five boroughs, building on our progress to deliver universal childcare and build a more affordable New York for all."

Families who have already applied to 3-K do not need to take any action at this time, according to city officials.

As new programs are confirmed and added to the online portal, MySchools, NYC Public Schools will notify families in those communities, officials said.

Families may update their online applications to include newly available programs until April 24th, according to Mamdani's office.

Additional reporting by Ainsley Martinez.

For questions, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.