NYC 3-K, Pre-K Programs See Fewer Applications Than Last Year

Mayor Mamdani's outreach blitz fails to meet application goal with deadline looming

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The city of New York has received over 75,000 applications for its free 3-K and pre-K programs so far this year, still thousands short of last year's final count with only two days left until the application deadline. Despite an aggressive outreach campaign by Mayor Mamdani to promote the programs, the number of applications has remained relatively steady over the past three years.

Why it matters

The 3-K and pre-K programs are a key part of Mayor Mamdani's affordability agenda, and the lower-than-expected application numbers raise questions about how effective his efforts have been in getting the word out and making the programs accessible, especially in neighborhoods that have historically struggled to attract families.

The details

The city received 95,000 total applications last year, a figure that has held relatively steady over the last three years. Applications are not first-come, first-served, so it's not uncommon for parents to register closer to the deadline. As part of his efforts, Mamdani has worked with the governor to open more 3-K programs closer to where families live, advertised on city streets and public transit, and partnered with local organizations and elected officials to host application workshops and outreach events, especially targeting immigrant families and those in homeless shelters.

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

The players

Mayor Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who ran on a platform of expanding universal child care, including fixing the 3-K program.

Gov. Hochul

The governor of New York who has worked with Mayor Mamdani to open more 3-K programs closer to where families live.

Emmy Liss

Mamdani's top child care official who oversees the city's efforts to make the 3-K and pre-K programs accessible to all families.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“For the more than 75,000 families that have already applied, we say thank you. You have until February 27 if you want to join them.”

— Mayor Mamdani (nydailynews.com)

“The effort looks different in different types of communities, but we're really focusing on that overall commitment that there is a 3-K seat for every family and that it's accessible to them.”

— Emmy Liss, Mamdani's top child care official (nydailynews.com)

What’s next

After the February 27 deadline, families can continue to sign up for preschool by adding their names to waitlists or being offered a program with available seats.

The takeaway

Despite Mayor Mamdani's aggressive outreach campaign, the number of applications for New York City's free 3-K and pre-K programs has remained relatively steady, raising concerns about the accessibility and awareness of these important affordability initiatives, especially in underserved communities.