Free preschool for 3-year-olds across 8 NYC locations
Sunshine Learning Center accepts 3-K for All at every location
<p>3-K for All is a free New York City Department of Education program that provides full-day early childhood education for 3-year-olds across the five boroughs. Sunshine Learning Center is a proud 3-K for All provider at all 8 of our NYC locations — in Manhattan, The Bronx, and Brooklyn. If your child turns 3 by December 31st, they may qualify for free enrollment through 3-K. Call (718) 679-9098 or visit any location to apply.</p>
What Is 3-K? NYC Free Preschool for 3-Year-Olds at Sunshine Learning Center
Ready to apply for 3-K at Sunshine Learning Center? Call (718) 679-9098 or visit any of our 8 NYC locations. Our enrollment team will walk you through the MySchools application and confirm your spot.
3-K for All is a program launched by the NYC Department of Education to provide free, full-day early childhood education to all 3-year-old New York City residents — regardless of income. The program runs during the school year (September through June) and offers full-day programming at participating licensed daycare centers and preschools, including Sunshine Learning Center.
Sunshine Learning Center uses the Creative Curriculum in all 3-K classrooms — the same nationally recognized, research-backed curriculum used in our infant, toddler, and pre-K programs. Every 3-K classroom is staffed by a certified early childhood educator and supported by assistant teachers, with small group sizes to ensure individualized attention.
Does My Child Qualify for 3-K?
Infants (6 weeks - 12 months)
Your child must turn 3 by December 31st of the school year you are applying for. For the 2026-2027 school year, your child must be born between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023.
Toddlers (1-2 years)
Your child must be a New York City resident. There are no income requirements — 3-K for All is available to all NYC families regardless of household income.
Early Preschool (2-4 years)
You must apply through the NYC DOE MySchools portal (MySchools.nyc) or contact your district directly. Sunshine Learning Center can guide you through the application process.
Preschool and Pre-K (4-6years)
Applications typically open in January each year. Spots fill quickly — call us at (718) 679-9098 to confirm current availability at the location nearest you.
How to Enroll in 3-K at Sunshine Learning Center
NYC Department of Health Licensed
Step 1: Check eligibility — your child must turn 3 by December 31st of the enrollment year and be a NYC resident. No income requirement.
State-of-the-Art Security
Step 2: Apply through NYC DOE MySchools (myschools.nyc). Select Sunshine Learning Center as your preferred provider. We have locations in Manhattan, The Bronx, and Brooklyn.
Open Door Policy
Step 3: We will contact you to schedule a tour and confirm your spot. Our enrollment team walks you through every step of the process.
Tadpoles Communication App
Step 4: Complete enrollment paperwork and immunization records. Your child can start as early as September.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Questions? Call (718) 679-9098 or visit any of our 8 locations. Walk-ins welcome — our staff can help you start the 3-K application process on the spot.
Weekly Links Newsletter
Sunshine Learning Center is a licensed NYC DOE 3-K provider. We accept 3-K for All, UPK, ACS childcare vouchers, HRA vouchers, and private pay.
What 3-K Includes at Sunshine
Full-day programming Monday through Friday during the school year. Creative Curriculum-based learning tailored to 3-year-old development. Certified early childhood educators in every classroom. Meals and snacks. Tadpoles communication app for daily parent updates. Parent-teacher conferences. NYC DOH licensed and regularly inspected.
Frequently Asked Questions About 3-K
Q: Is 3-K really free? A: Yes. The NYC DOE funds 3-K for All — there is no tuition cost for eligible families. Q: What hours does 3-K run? A: Full-day programming, typically 8:00am to 3:00pm during the school year. Extended hours may be available. Q: Can I use 3-K and HRA/ACS vouchers together? A: In some cases, supplemental funding can cover extended hours beyond the school day. Ask our enrollment team. Q: What if spots are full? A: Call (718) 679-9098 — we maintain a waitlist and often have mid-year openings. Q: What curriculum does Sunshine use for 3-K? A: The Creative Curriculum — a nationally recognized, play-based early childhood framework proven to build school readiness. Q: Is my child ready for 3-K? A: If your child turns 3 by December 31st, they meet the age requirement. Our staff can assess developmental readiness during your tour.
<p>Call Sunshine Learning Center at (718) 679-9098 to enroll your 3-year-old in the free 3-K for All program at any of our 8 NYC locations. Applications open annually in January — spots fill fast.</p><hr/><h3>Explore Sunshine Learning Center</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.sunshinenewyork.com/locations">Our 8 NYC Locations</a></li><li><a href="https://www.sunshinenewyork.com/enroll">Enroll Your Child</a></li><li><a href="https://www.sunshinenewyork.com/curriculum">Our Creative Curriculum</a></li><li><a href="https://www.sunshinenewyork.com/daycare/yorkville">Yorkville / Upper East Side</a></li><li><a href="https://www.sunshinenewyork.com/daycare/coney-island-brooklyn">Coney Island, Brooklyn</a></li><li><a href="https://www.sunshinenewyork.com/daycare/jackson-avenue-mott-haven">South Bronx / Mott Haven</a></li></ul>
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