HomeChild CareNew YorkJoining the waitlist for 3-K or Pre-K in NYC
How to Apply: Joining the waitlist for 3-K or Pre-K in NYC
New York · 4 StepsNYC families with kids the right age for 3-K or Pre-K
Take it one step at a time. We're here to help.
Quick facts
Step 1 of 4: Log in to MySchools
- Go to MySchools.nyc (opens in a new tab)Tap to open
- Open your child's dashboard card
Important: The regular application window closed February 27, 2026.Step 2 of 4: Join the waitlist
- See the step-by-step guide (opens in a new tab)Tap to open
- Find 3-K or Pre-K under your child
- Click to join the waitlist
Important: Join the waitlist as soon as possible.Step 3 of 4: Watch for offers
Check Results and Waitlists
- Pre-K offers: May 12, 2026
- 3-K offers: May 19, 2026
- Check your email too
Good to know: Keep checking after offer dates. Spots can open up later.Step 4 of 4: Answer fast
- Accept or decline your offer
- You have one week
Don't miss: Answer within one week or the spot goes to another family.
The enrollment window for NYC 3-K and Pre-K closed on February 27th. Here's what you can do if you missed the deadline.
If you missed the deadline, but you want to enroll your child in one of these free programs, you can still join the waitlist! Waitlists for 3-K and Pre-K are managed through MySchools.
We recommend joining the waitlist as soon as possible!
How to join a waitlist:
You can join a waitlist for 3-K or Pre-K by signing into your MySchool's account. On your Dashboard you'll see a card for every child you have added to your account. If your child is the right age for 3-K or Pre-K, the program will show up under their name.
To start joining waitlists, follow our step by step guide below to see exactly what you need to do! To open our guide in a new tab, click here.
Step by Step Guide:
What happens after you join a waitlist?
Set a reminder to check for offers:
Pre-K providers will send out offers on Tuesday, May 12, 2026
- 3-K providers will send out offers on Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Check for offers on your MySchools account by clicking on the "Results and Waitlists" view. You will also receive an email to the email you use to sign into your MySchools Account.
Remember to check on and after these dates to see if you got an offer. If you don't see an offer on the date above, keep a close eye on your email inbox and your MySchools account! You may be offered a spot if another family turns down their seat.
If you are offered a seat it is important to respond quickly! You must accept or decline the spot within one week or it will be offered to another family!
To be added to the NYC Doe Admissions Email Lists you can fill out this form or sign up for NYCPS alerts and messages through your NYCSA account.
Additional Resources:
- NYC Public School's Enrollment Timelines
- NYC Public School's Join a Waitlist Video
- How to respond to an offer in MySchools
Last updated March 2, 2026