Free Universal Pre-K Available

The Department of Education has urged parents to sign up their children for free universal pre-Kindergarten (UPK) seats before the Friday, January 29 deadline. More than 4,000 UPK seats remain open at public schools, child care centers contracted by the Administration for Children’s Services, and community-based organizations across the five boroughs. All children who turned four years old between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009, are eligible for UPK. Programs can be half-day (two and a half hours, a.m. or p.m.) or full-day (six hours and 20 minutes).

Since 2002, the number of four-yearolds enrolled in New York City UPK programs has increased by more than 15,000 students. This year, 60,000 UPK seats were open for enrollment across the five boroughs. The Department of Education is working to publicize the availability of remaining UPK seats before the new January 29 deadline.

To find programs with vacancies, parents can call 311 and ask for “UPK programs in my neighborhood.”

Parents can also contact Community-Based Organization programs directly to find out about seat availability. Community-Based Organizations are listed in a directory posted on the Department of Education website.