A Recovery for All of Us: Mayor de Blasio, Chancellor Porter, Announce Major Expansion of 3-K for All to Reach Every District by This Fall

March 24, 2021

City, in partnership with City Council, will expand free, full-day, high-quality early childhood education to an additional 16,500 three-year-olds across New York City 

NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter today announced that in partnership with City Council, 3-K for All will expand to the remaining sixteen community school districts in the 2021-22 school year – bringing free, full-day, high-quality 3-K to up to 16,500 more three-year-olds across New York City. By this fall, the City will support approximately 40,000 3-K seats across all 32 community school districts.  

In addition to expanding to School Districts 1, 12, 14, and 29 this fall as previously announced, the City will expand to offer 3-K to as many families as possible in the remaining sixteen school districts: 2, 3, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28 and 30. 3-K is already offered to every three-year-old in School Districts 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 19, 23, 27, 31, and 32. 

“3K has been invaluable for so many kids and working families across our city,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Now, as we build a recovery for all of us, we are bringing 3K to every district across our city, giving more kids the quality head start they need to grow and thrive.” 

“Providing a high-quality education to every New York City student starts with our youngest children, and I’m thrilled to expand 3-K for All to reach every district citywide and bring access to thousands more three-year-olds and their families during this critical time,” said Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter. “These programs provide children with an invaluable head start in school and life, and I encourage families to explore the 3-K and Pre-K for All options available in their communities and apply.” 

"Early childcare education is one of the best investments we can make as a city, and this accelerated expansion of 3k is going to help make New York City a leader in this important field. More work remains, but this Council is proud of the cooperation and innovation that went into making this program a reality. We thank the de Blasio administration for being our partners in this effort. This is great news for families,” said Council Speaker Corey Johnson. 

Like Pre-K for All, 3-K for All relies on the partnership of community-based organizations, including Head Start programs, child care agencies, and family child care providers. The timing of the expansion aligns with the culmination of the City’s historic commitment to achieve pay parity for certified early childhood education teachers by October 2021, a goal which is on track to be met. Achieving a pathway to pay parity between early childhood educators in community-based organizations and those working in district schools completes the promise made by the Mayor and City Council to the provider community during summer 2019, as part of agreements with District Council 37, the Day Care Council of New York, and the Head Start Sponsoring Board Council, as well as a commitment to non-represented teachers. Certified teachers saw phased-in wage increases beginning in October 2019. Non-certified teachers and support staff have also seen increases in compensation. 

3-K for All is the nation’s most ambitious effort to provide universal, free, full-day, high-quality early childhood education for every three-year-old child and builds on the success of Pre-K for All. High-quality 3-K helps to make sure children are prepared for kindergarten and have a strong start in school and life.  

"3-K has proven to be an absolutely vital service in communities across our city, and I'm glad to see it continue to expand to bring this resource to all New Yorkers,” said Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. “I thank the Mayor and newly-appointed Chancellor Porter for recognizing this need as we begin to build a recovery from the pandemic, to make this investment in educating our children and supporting our families as we must pursue a Renewed Deal for New York." 

"Investing in early education is a key component of our City's long-term recovery from this pandemic. 3K for All will help our children be prepared for kindergarten and have a strong start in school and life," said Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. "I look forward to seeing seats continue to be available for families throughout my district and I thank the Mayor and Chancellor Porter for taking this initiative citywide."

"I applaud the expansion of 3K for all.  I'm especially pleased to see two Bronx school districts included, one of which, District 10 is among the city's most overcrowded and has a very high number of children living in homeless shelters.  Early education is the foundation for learning.  Getting a strong, early start sets the stage for continued learning and success.  The more children who are served by 3K, the better for the future of all," said Council Member Fernando Cabrera. 

"I'm very excited to see that 3K for All will be expanding to my community," said Council Member Costa Constantinides. "As we prepare to transition back to a more normal life, giving young children opportunities for in-person learning and socialization is critical. I thank Mayor de Blasio for spearheading this initiative." 

"3-k has been a lifeline for families throughout New York City offering free, full-day, high quality education preparing our youth to be future leaders. The expansion of 3-k to every school district in the city will provide every student with the opportunity to take advantage of this incredible program regardless of their zip code. I applaud Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Porter for their investment in our youth and for including Bronx School Districts 10 and 12 in their initial expansion," said Council Member Vanessa Gibson.

"Finally providing 3-K in our district is a welcome change that will help not only our children, but the many hardworking parents in our district and throughout the city. I have been requesting this for years and I commend the Mayor and the Chancellor for making it happen," said Council Member Robert Holden. 

" I am thrilled to hear of a 3K expansion in D15 in my District.  Childcare and public education is a right and the City must work to expand this program to all interested New Yorkers. Especially after this year, we have seen working families struggle in unpreceded ways.  Providing everyone in our communities access to early childhood education and child care is a key tool in getting families back on track and the City on the road to recovery,” said Council Member Brad Lander. 

"The expansion of 3K for All within School Districts 17, 18, and 22 is a crucial step towards closing the achievement gap and advancing education equity. Our bright scholars, regardless of zip code, deserve unlimited access to opportunities that will help them learn and excel. Early childhood education has been proven to provide our youth with a headstart in life by entering the classroom at a young age. As a public school graduate, I am excited to celebrate this milestone with the families of my community in Central and Southern Brooklyn," said Council Member Farah N. Louis

“My daughter is 3 years old, and 3K for All is a lifeline that will make it easier for countless families like mine to stay in New York City and thrive. After this pandemic forced our children into isolation for a year, New York City parents will be relying on 3K for All to help our children catch up,” said Council Member Ben Kallos. “Child care on the Upper East Side starts at $30,000 and that’s if you can get a seat. Few can afford this and it’s forcing families out. 3K for All is a game changer, giving every child the fair start that they deserve. Countless families including mine are breathing a sigh of relief with today’s announcement. I know I’ve been persistent about getting UPK and now 3K rolled out, but this was too important for our children’s future to leave it up to the next administration. I want to thank Mayor Bill de Blasio for staying true to his word in making Universal Pre-Kindergarten a reality and now 3K for All by 2021. When it is safe to do so I am giving the Mayor a hug.” 

“A family’s income or immigration status should not determine a child’s access to early childhood education. Launching 3K for All in the remaining school districts, which includes Corona, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, and Jackson Heights–the neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, ensures that we are working to create equitable systems of education. 3K for All is a long-term investment in children's education and will be key in combating the learning loss experienced by children due to the pandemic. Every child deserves a shot at success no matter their background,” said Council Member Francisco Moya 

“More 3-K seats means more opportunities for all New Yorkers, especially our youngest learners. The expansion of Pre-K seats has been a true benefit to student and this will support even more families. Thank you to the Mayor and Chancellor Porter for investing in early education," said Council Member Keith Powers. 

“The educational success of our youth begins at an early age, and it’s reassuring that we will now have additional opportunities to reduce the childcare burden for young families looking to place their child in 3-K. Culturally-competent, local providers are crucial for the social and emotional well-being of our youth, and we look forward to sharing these new resources within the Southeast Queens community,” said Council Member I. Daneek Miller. 

“I heartily congratulate the de Blasio administration on its expansion of free, full-day early childhood education for three-year-olds to every school district. I can’t think of a better investment for our city’s future – fostering the mental, social and physical well-being of our youngest New Yorkers,” said Council Member Helen Rosenthal 

"Research has found that participation in early childhood education makes students more likely to graduate high school and attend college. Reaching all corners of the city with this investment will pay dividends for years, both in the lives of these young people and in long-term benefits to our city as a whole. I thank the mayor for his steadfast commitment to pre-K and 3-k and I encourage families in my district to apply for available slots", said Council Member Debi Rose. 

“Giving every parent the opportunity to send their child to 3-K will only increase equity and economic recovery in New York City as we recover from this pandemic. I applaud the Mayor for ensuring every school district has 3-K seats available.” said Council Member Paul A. Vallone 

“Providing more young people early learning opportunities is central to building a more equitable future,” said State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “I look forward to working with local parents to give as many of our kids as possible a chance for a better education.” 

 "I commend the Mayor and City Council for committing a portion of the federal assistance that the city has received to investing in the future success of our students through the roll out of 3-K citywide,” said State Senator Leroy Comrie. “Access to birth to five care and education has already made a positive impact on families in my district and beyond, and it will continue to have a positive impact on the city's recovery in the long term." 

"Access to free, high quality childcare will be vitally important as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and get our city back to work. I'm thrilled that the City is expanding the number of 3-K seats to include every school district for the upcoming school year,” said State Senator Jose Serrano. “The expansion will not only ensure peace of mind for parents, but it will give all of our children an educational head start and set them up for future success. Thank you to Mayor De Blasio and Chancellor Porter for their commitment to the education of our youngest New Yorkers." 

“I applaud Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Porter for the expansion of 3-K for All to the remaining community school districts. Quality care and early education are critical for our children’s development and success later in life. As our city recovers from the pandemic these services a have never been more crucial,” said Assembly Member Andrew Hevesi, Chair of the Children and Families Committee. 

"New York City’s significant expansion of the 3-K program is a tremendous step towards equity in early childhood education, which directly advances academic achievement, especially for children in working-class families,” said Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson. “Research shows that city-led initiatives like free, high-quality Pre-K for All and 3-K for All help close achievement gaps and provide long-term benefits for academic success. We must do all we can to address inequities in public education and mitigate the systemic, social, and economic circumstances that widen them. The expansion of 3-K is one such step, and I thank Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Porter for the leadership they have shown with this move." 

“With more and more parents going back to the physical workplace, it is so important that our city is making 3-K available in every district so that families don’t have to go to the expense of paying for private childcare,” said Assembly Member Steven Cymbrowitz. “Just as important, this early exposure to classroom education helps gives kids a jumpstart on learning and socialization and positions them for success throughout their school year.” 

"As Chair of the Women's Task Force, and Member of the Assembly Education Committee, I commend Mayor Bill de Blasio, and Chancellor Porter for their commitment to the expansion of 3-K for all to reach every corner of our city.  Access to 3-K for every family is the key to closing the gaps on achievement in the classroom and will help restart our communities with essential childcare," said Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright.   

"We are excited that the Mayor is expanding 3-k to more children and families in the city. It is important for us to start educating our youth earlier and to provide much-needed childcare for working families,” said Assembly Member Clyde Vanel. 

"I am glad that education is a priority for our Mayor and newly appointed Chancellor, Ms. Meisha Porter. We know that the earlier we invest in education, the greater the return. Education is the great equalizer. As a product of the Oceanhill-Brownsville education system, I know first hand what quality education can do to set a child on a path for success,” said Assembly Member Latrice Walker. 

"CCC applauds the de Blasio Administration for the 3-K for All plan announced today, as it dramatically expands 3-K across all school districts. As we’ve seen with Pre-K for All, that reaches NYC 4-year-olds, the 3-K initiative will play an impactful role in providing more families with access to high quality early education that shapes children's social, emotional growth and kindergarten readiness in profoundly positive ways. This 3-K expansion is an important step toward achieving universality in the very near future, “ said Jennifer March, Executive Director of Citizens’ Committee for Children of NY. 

“As we slowly come out of this pandemic, it is imperative that families are supported in their goal to return to work. We know this effort will create jobs for so many New Yorkers. We appreciate what the Mayor has done,” said Andrea Anthony, Executive Director of Day Care Council of New York. 

“As we slowly come out of this pandemic, it is imperative that families are supported in their goal to return to work. We know this effort will create jobs for so many New Yorkers. We appreciate what the Mayor has done,” said Andrea Anthony, Executive Director of Day Care Council of New York.