Over 50,000 Families Apply for 3-K and Pre-K in NYC

Mayor Mamdani visits home-based child care provider to highlight strong enrollment numbers and commitment to early childhood education.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 1:55am

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that more than 50,000 families have applied for 3-K and Pre-K programs since applications opened on January 14, 2026. The mayor visited a home-based child care provider in Chinatown to highlight the city's efforts to support community-based and home-based early childhood education providers.

Why it matters

The strong enrollment numbers demonstrate the high demand for free, high-quality early childhood education programs in New York City. The Mamdani administration's focus on supporting home-based and community-based providers aims to ensure culturally and linguistically responsive care is available across the city.

The details

During the visit, Mayor Mamdani emphasized that applications for 3-K and Pre-K remain open through February 27, 2026, and encouraged all eligible families to apply. The city's Family Welcome Centers and a dedicated phone line are available to assist families with the application process in multiple languages.

  • Applications for 3-K and Pre-K opened on January 14, 2026.
  • The application deadline is February 27, 2026.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who announced the strong enrollment numbers for 3-K and Pre-K programs.

Kamar Samuels

The Schools Chancellor who stated that the enrollment numbers demonstrate the power of early childhood education in New York City.

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What they’re saying

“Every child deserves access to free, high quality childcare - and we're making sure families across the city know that now is the time to enroll in 3-k and pre-K.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor (Mirage News)

“These numbers show what we already know - New York City families understand the power of early childhood education.”

— Kamar Samuels, Schools Chancellor (Mirage News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The strong enrollment numbers for 3-K and Pre-K programs in New York City demonstrate the high demand for free, high-quality early childhood education, particularly in underserved communities. The Mamdani administration's focus on supporting home-based and community-based providers aims to ensure equitable access to these vital programs.