If your child turns 4 this year, he or she is eligible for free pre-kindergarten, either in a public school or at a early childhood center run by a community organization. But how can you find one? And what is the quality of the programs?

The staff of Insideschools and a panel of experts will tell you how to find a good program for your child and how to navigate the application process at our March 31 event: The Lowdown on pre-k. We'll also introduce our new pre-k search engine. Type in your address and you'll see what your zoned school is and whether it offers pre-kindergarten. With this search, you'll be able to find all the pre-k options closest to your home or work and see reviews of public schools that offer pre-k. 

The de Blasio administration gets an A for effort in its rapid expansion of pre-kindergarten, with more than 30,000 new seats last fall and another 20,000 planned for this coming fall. But what is the quality of these new programs? Even though there are more free all-day pre-k programs than ever,  demand still outstrips supply in many neighborhoods. Get the lowdown at this free workshop for parents. We will:

-- Introduce our new pre-k search engine to help you find programs in your district, neighborhood or zipcode

-- Explain the difference between "child care" and "pre-kindergarten"

-- Help you decide whether to choose pre-k run by public schools or early education centers

-- Tell you what to look for when you visit programs

-- Show you where the seats are

-- Explain how and when to apply

-- Give you advice about what to do if there's no slot for your child where you want it

-- Describe ethnic and racial diversity in pre-k programs.

Clara Hemphill, interim director, Center for New York City Affairs at the New School and Insideschools founder and senior editor will moderate a discussion by Insideschools.org experts and guest panelists Takiema Bunche Smith, director, Leadership Institute at SCO/FirstStepNYC and Josh Wallack, chief strategy officer, Department of Education.

This event is one of a series sponsored by the Center for New York City Affairs examining Mayor Bill de Blasio's performance in key areas impacting New York City during his first year in office. Join our de Blasio series discussions this year using #deblasioseries and follow us @centernyc

This event is sponsored by the Center for New York City Affairs at Milano School for International Affairs, Management and Urban Policy. 

Admission is Free but RSVP is required by clicking the register button.