The NYCDOE will mail decision letters for public school pre-kindergarten (pre-k) applicants this week and families who were matched to a pre-k program may register at schools from June 5 to June 19.

Families who applied online will receive email notification as well as letters in the mail. Parents should contact the school to arrange a time to register.

To register, bring your child and these required documents:

  1. Offer letter

  2. Child's birth certificate or passport

  3. Child's immunization records

  4. Proof of residence (any two of the following documents):

  •  A residential utility bill (gas or electric) in the resident's name issued by National Grid, Con Edison, or the Long Island Power Authority; must be dated within the past 60 days
  • Documentation or letter on letterhead from a federal, state or local government agency, including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), Human Resources Administration (HRA), the Administration for Children's Services (ACS), or an ACS subcontractor indicating the resident's name and address; must be dated within the past 60 days
  • An original lease agreement, deed or mortgage statement for the residence
  • A current property tax bill for the residence
  • A water bill for the residence; must be dated within the past 90 days
  • Official payroll documentation from an employer such as a form submitted for tax withholding purposes or payroll receipt; a letter on the employer's letterhead will not be accepted; must be dated within the past 60 days

Families must register by Wednesday, June 19, or lose the spot.

Every year there are far thousands more applicants than spaces for school-based pre-k programs. Families who did not get placed in a program may contact schools beginning on June 12 to get on a waitlist. There's usually movement throughout the summer and into the fall. Schools maintain their own waitlists.  

Another option is to apply to a community based organization that offers pre-k. That is a separate process.

See the pre-k directory for more information.