“More than half of all school districts” in New York will gain 1,000 additional 3-K spots by the fall of 2026, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced. This will push the total number of 3-K slots over 40,000.
The 3-K program offers three-year-olds free full-day education before starting kindergarten. Any parent in New York, regardless of occupation, income or immigration status, is eligible to enroll their children in the program.
1000 places in 56 zip codes
Mamdani’s administration said the new 1,000 spots will welcome students from 56 ZIP codes in five boroughs — five in the Bronx, six in Staten Island, eight in Brooklyn, 16 in Manhattan and 21 in Queens.
In an Instagram post, Mamdani said, “Kids are growing fast and so are we. We’re adding over 1,000 universal 3-K spots in 56 zip codes this fall.”
“Childcare will be more affordable and accessible in all five boroughs,” he added.
“For too long, families have been promised universal 3-K, but offered places miles away — forcing them to pay out of pocket for child care or leave the city,” the NYC mayor said.
“Today, we’re making a new commitment: government can provide real relief from the affordability crisis. By making 3-K truly universal, we’re building a city where every New Yorker can raise a family,” he said.
