PARK SLOPE, NY \u2014 This fall, New York City will add over 1,000 new free 3-K seats across 56 ZIP codes\u2014including one right here in Park Slope.<\/p>\n
As part of Mayor Zohran Mamdani\u2019s effort to broaden access to early childhood education citywide, the new seats will expand the free preschool program to more 3-year-olds.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor too long, families were promised universal 3-K but offered seats miles away\u2014forcing them to pay out of pocket for child care or leave the city,\u201d Mayor Mamdani said. <\/p>\n
The Park Slope ZIP code with added free 3-K seats is:<\/p>\n
11217 (Boerum Hill, Park Slope, Prospect Heights) <\/p>\n
The expansion adds seats in more than half of the city\u2019s 32 school districts.<\/p>\n
The plan seeks to close gaps in the city\u2019s free preschool program for 3- and 4-year-olds. Since former Mayor Eric Adams scaled back<\/a> the initiative, families have struggled to find a 3-K seat close to home. <\/p>\n Last year, Adams\u2019s $167 million executive budget included $112 million to expand 3-K, but City Council leaders\u2014Speaker Adrienne Adams, Finance Chair Justin Brannan, and Education Chair Rita Joseph\u2014said the amount still fell short of the $197 million the Council had previously sought.<\/p>\n Mamdani said that by making 3-K truly universal, the city is building a place where every New Yorker can afford to raise a family.<\/p>\n \u201cExpanding access to 3-K means giving more of our youngest New Yorkers the strong start they deserve,\u201d said New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. \u201cAdding seats in communities where demand is growing helps more families access high-quality early childhood education that supports children\u2019s learning, development and long-term success.” <\/p>\n City officials say families who have already applied to 3-K do not need to take any action.<\/p>\n