3-K for All will expand to four new districts next year, including one in Queens

Mayor Bill de Blasio visits a classroom. Photo via nyc.gov.

By Rachel Vick

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday announced the expansion of his signature early childhood education program to include 3-year-olds from four new school districts at the start of the next school year.

The 3K for All initiative will be available in Queens District 29, which includes Cambria Heights, Hollis, Laurelton, Queens Village, Springfield Gardens and St. Albans for the  school year. 

The city will also extend the program to District 1 in Manhattan, District 14 in Brooklyn, and District 12 in the Bronx. The expansion will bring the total number of eligible districts to 16 — double the original projection for the beginning of the next school year

The initiative first came to Queens in District 27 —Broad Channel, Howard Beach, Ozone Park and the Rockaways — during the 2018-2019 school year.

"Every family should be able to give their child the world, and expanding 3-K will help us set even more of our students on the path to success,” de Blasio said. “3-K and Pre-K for All are unlocking the potential of every child and creating more opportunity for families.” 

3-K and Pre-K applications are open until April 24.