How to Apply: 2-K in New York City

This guide will help you access, understand and complete an application for 2-K in New York City

About 2-K

2-K is New York City's free early care and learning program for two-year-olds, with no income or immigration status requirements. It opened in fall 2026 with 2,000 free seats in select neighborhoods and will expand to every school district over the next four years. Most seats run full-day and full-year, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., 260 days a year; some programs follow the regular school-day calendar instead.

2-K Program Options: Families can choose between two 2-K schedules — School Day or Expanded Day & Year. Eligibility is the same either way; the choice comes down to which schedule fits your family.

2-K School Day: Follows the standard NYC public school calendar and hours. Good for families who don't need care outside typical school hours.

2-K Expanded Day & Year: Runs longer hours and more days — 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., 260 days a year, including summer and school holidays. Good for families who need full-time, year-round care.

Am I Eligible for 2-K?

Age: Any child born in 2024 is eligible to apply, but in most cases they must be 2 years old to begin the program. The program starts Sept. 10, so kids whose birthdays fall after that date will start on their second birthday instead.

Family child care (home-based) programs can take children in the fall as long as they turn 2 by Dec. 31.

Residence: Your family must reside in New York City. You do not need to live in a specific neighborhood or zip code to apply, though for the initial launch in fall 2026, priority for seats is limited to four specific communities.

Where 2-K Will Be Offered — Fall 2026 Launch Communities:

Neighborhood priority: For the fall 2026 launch, priority goes to families living in the four participating communities. As the program expands, seats will be available citywide.

• School District 6: Washington Heights, Inwood, and Hamilton Heights
• School District 10: Fordham, Belmont, Norwood, Marble Hill, Morris Heights, Riverdale, Spuyten Duyvil, Van Cortlandt Village, Kingsbridge, and parts of Kingsbridge Heights, Bedford Park, Mount Hope, Claremont-Bathgate and East Tremont
• School Districts 18 and 23: Canarsie, Rugby-Remsen Village, Brownsville, Ocean Hill, and parts of East Flatbush-Farragut
• School District 27: Ozone Park, South Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Woodhaven, Howard Beach, the Rockaways, and parts of Lindenwood and Springfield Gardens North

Not sure which district you live in? Look up your address with the city's Find a School tool, or call 311.

Program Setting Types: 2-K seats are available in NYC Early Education Centers and home-based programs, also known as family child care programs.

Want to Learn More? Join a virtual information session on elementary admissions. Dates and details are on NYC Public Schools' events page.

How Do I Apply to 2-K?

The main application deadline has passed. Families who missed it can join 2-K waitlists in MySchools at any time during the school year.

Applications and waitlists for 2-K are managed through the NYC Public Schools enrollment system, MySchools. You can apply or join waitlists online at MySchools.nyc.

• Already have an account? Use the same one. If you don’t see your child on the dashboard, add them by selecting “Add a Child”.
• New to MySchools? Create an account to explore programs, apply, and get your child’s offer later. Watch the following video tutorials to learn how to create your MySchools account and how to apply.

By phone: Call 718-935-2009, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

You may also apply in person or get enrollment assistance at an NYC Public Schools Family Welcome Center.

If you apply by phone or in person, your results will still appear in MySchools.

Translation and interpretation services are available for all options.

For general enrollment information and to learn more about the 2-K program, visit the official NYC Public Schools 2-K page.

How Long Does It Take to Receive an Offer from 2-K?

The 2-K enrollment timeline follows the NYC Public Schools early childhood enrollment calendar. Here is what to expect for the fall 2026 inaugural launch:

• Application Window Opens: Tuesday, June 2, 2026
• Application Window Closes: Friday, June 26, 2026
• Offer Letters Released: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
• Waitlists Open: Tuesday, August 4, 2026

• Waitlist offers can come at any time during the school year, when a seat opens. The program will contact you directly, and the offer will also appear in MySchools.

What Do the Application Steps Look Like?

Follow these steps to complete your 2-K application:

1. Confirm your child's age. Make sure your child will be two years old by December 31 of the school year you are applying for.
2. Create or log in to your MySchools account atMySchools.nyc. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one using a valid email address.
3. Search for 2-K programs. For fall 2026, all 2-K programs are in the four participating communities. Families from anywhere in NYC can apply, but children living in those communities get priority.
4. Add programs to your application. You can rank multiple program choices in order of preference.
5. Complete all sections of your application. Make sure every field is filled out accurately and completely. Incomplete applications or missing documentation are among the most common reasons for delays or denials — take your time and double-check your work before submitting.
6. If you are applying for twins, you MUST submit identical applications for the twins. When you do this, it means they will be considered for the same program AND receive identical offers.
7. Submit your application before the posted deadline.
8. Check your MySchools account regularly for updates on your application status and to receive your offer letter when it is released.

Joining a waitlist:

1. Log in to MySchools and click "View Results and Waitlists."
2. Review your child's information and click "Looks Good."
3. Click "Search" and find the programs you want.
4. Select a program and click "Join waitlist." You can join as many waitlists as you like.

If your child is eligible and you run into any difficulties with your application, please contact ESEnrollment@schools.nyc.gov

What Documentation Is Required For Registration?You will typically need to provide the following documents. Gather these in advance to avoid delays:

• Proof of your child's age: birth certificate, passport, or other official document showing date of birth.
• Proof of NYC residency: a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or other official mail showing your current address.
• Immunization records, if available: your child's up-to-date vaccination records as required by NYC/NYS health guidelines.

You do not need to provide proof of income, employment, or citizenship to apply.

What to Expect After Applying to 2-K

After you submit your application:

• You'll receive an application receipt by email and on your MySchools dashboard.
• NYC Public Schools staff will review your application and verify your documentation. You may be contacted if anything is missing or needs clarification.

Receiving your offer:

• Offers are posted in MySchools. Accept by the deadline shown, then pre-register with the program to secure your seat. If your child turns 2 after the program starts, they begin on their birthday at Early Education Centers; the seat is held for 30 days after it.

Waitlists:

If you didn't get your first choice, your child is automatically waitlisted at the programs you ranked higher. A waitlist spot is not a guaranteed seat. Keep the seat you have while you wait.

• Waitlist offers: The program will contact you, and the offer will appear in MySchools. You can hold only one accepted offer, so accepting a waitlist offer cancels your current seat.

Once your child is enrolled in 2-K, you should report the following changes as soon as they occur, as they may affect your child's enrollment status or seat assignment:

• Change of address: If your family moves to a different home or borough, notify your child's 2-K program and update your information in your MySchools account promptly. A move outside of New York City would affect eligibility.
• Change in your child's household or legal guardianship: If the primary guardian or household composition changes significantly, update your enrollment records.
• Child no longer attending or withdrawing: If your child will not be attending or needs to leave the program, notify the school or program site as soon as possible so the seat can be offered to another family on the waitlist.

Report changes directly to your child's enrolled program and/or to NYC Public Schools by contacting a Family Welcome Center or calling 311 and asking for NYC Public Schools enrollment assistance. Changes should be reported as quickly as possible — do not wait until the next school year.

Common FAQs

Who is not eligible for 2-K? Children who do not turn 2 during the calendar year they start 2-K are not eligible. Children who do not reside in New York City are also not eligible.

Is there a cost to participate? 2-K is completely free — there are no tuition, fees, or income requirements.

Does my child need to already be potty trained? No. 2-K programs are designed for two-year-olds and staff are trained to work with children at this developmental stage.

When will 2-K be available citywide? 2-K will expand to all school districts over the next four years. By fall 2027, it is expected to serve about 12,000 children.

Who Do I Contact About My Application Status?

Online: Log in to your MySchools account atMySchools.nyc to view your application status, offers, waitlist position, and any required next steps.

Phone: Call the Parent Support Line at 718-935-2009, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Email: ESEnrollment@schools.nyc.gov

In person: Visit an NYC Public Schools Family Welcome Center. Find your nearest location at:schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enrollment-help/family-welcome-centers

Official program page: For the most up-to-date information on 2-K, including application dates and participating schools:schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/2-k

Last updated September 28, 2026