“More than half of all school districts” in New York will get 1,000 more 3-K seats by fall 2026, announced Mayor Zohran Mamdani. This will push the total number of 3-K slots above 40,000.
The 3-K program offers free, full-day education to three-year-olds before they start kindergarten. Any parent in New York City, regardless of occupation, income, or immigration status, is eligible to enroll their children in the program.
1,000 seats in 56 ZIP codes
The Mamdani administration said the new 1,000 seats will welcome students from 56 ZIP codes across the five boroughs — Five zip codes in the Bronx, six on Staten Island, eight in Brooklyn, 16 in Manhattan and 21 in Queens.
In an Instagram post, Mamdani said, “Kids grow fast, and so do we. This fall, we’re adding more than 1,000 seats for universal 3-K in 56 zip codes.”
“Childcare will be more accessible and affordable across all five boroughs,” he added.
“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,” the NYC Mayor said.
“Today we’re making a new commitment: government can deliver 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.
