Feeling overwhelmed by the preschool search? Whether you’re new to Brooklyn or just new to the process, we’ve got you covered. Our guide is designed to help you navigate every step, covering age requirements, different preschool settings and teaching models, a comprehensive list of schools by neighborhood, admissions steps, tuition costs, schedules and hours, the process for NYC’s free 3K & UPK programs, as well as private schools. Plus, we highlight the newest daycares and preschools across the borough! Let’s dive into the basics.
Download our 2025-26 Preschool Guide
Looking for a comprehensive list of preschools in your neighborhood? Our comprehensive Preschool Guide profiles over 100 local preschools and daycares in Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Downtown Brooklyn, BoCoCa, Bed Stuy, Fort Greene, Prospect Heights, Park Slope, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Bay Ridge, Sunset Park and beyond. Download it here to get started!
How old does my child need to be?
Preschool programs typically start at age 2, with the requirement that children have already turned 2 before school starts. Each school sets its own cut-off date for age eligibility.
- Calendar year (December 31): Many schools follow the NYC public school cut-off, where a child must turn 2, 3, or 4 by December 31.
- September 1: Alternatively, many private schools use September 1 as the cut-off instead.
What are my options?
Let’s break it down! There are a few routes to choose from when starting your search for preschool.
- Daycares with preschool classrooms: Brooklyn has many childcare centers that accept infants and toddlers, then transition kids into preschool-style classrooms around age 2 or 3. These centers are often open year-round with the option of extended hours and summer options.
- Private preschools: There are also many stand-alone private preschools that start around age 2 and typically go up to age 4 or 5.
- 3K & UPK: In the year your child turns 3, they are eligible for the DOE’s free 3K program, and at age 4, for Universal Pre-K (UPK). 3K & UPK are available at some public schools, daycares and private preschools. These programs can be competitive in certain neighborhoods, giving priority to students already enrolled in the school’s 2s program.
- Private schools with preschool divisions: Some private schools start at age 2–4 and continue through elementary, middle, or high school.
How do I apply?
- Application timelines: Some schools have strict deadlines (as early as November for the following school year!). However, many schools accept applications year-round.
- Tours and open houses: Many schools host school tours and open houses in the fall and winter months, prior two application deadlines.
- Admissions steps: Applications vary from school to school, but most include:
- Application
- School tour (often required)
- Family/child interview or classroom visit (more common for private schools)
- Waitlists: Waitlists are common. Don’t panic! Spots often open close to the start of school. Many families apply to multiple schools.
- A myth we’d love to debunk: “You need to apply the day your baby is born.” Simply not true!
What does it cost?
- There are no free 2s programs. But starting at age 3, children are eligible for NYC’s 3K program, and at age 4, for Universal Pre-K (UPK), both free through the DOE.
- Tuition: The annual cost for private preschools and private schools can range from $15,000–$40,000+, depending the schedule and add-ons like early drop-off, late-pick up, etc.
- Financial aid: Financial aid is available at many schools! Just note that financial aid applications often have separate deadlines.
What are some of the teaching models?
- Montessori: A child-led approach emphasizing independence, hands-on materials, and self-paced learning within a structured environment.
- Reggio Emilia: A collaborative, project-based approach, with strong emphasis on creativity and exploration.
- Languages: Many preschools teach foreign languages in full immersion or dual-language programs. Full immersion classrooms use the second language almost exclusively. In dual-language programs, instruction split between English and another language. No need to have prior knowledge of the language; families sometimes choose this for cultural exposure and early multilingual experience.
- Faith-based: rooted in Jewish, Catholic, or other traditions. However, these schools are often open to all, regardless of the family’s religion.
- Nature-based: Brooklyn has a few preschools that place great emphasis on time spent outdoors exploring nature, many of them near Prospect Park.
What are the hours?
- Many programs have flexible days and hours, with options ranging from 2, 3, or 5 days per week, morning or full-day options, and even options to drop off early or pick up late.While times vary by school, full-day programs typically run from 8:30 or 9:00 am to 2:30 or 3:00 pm, with early drop-off as early as 8:00 am and extended care until 6:00 pm.
- Free 3K & UPK programs run 6 hours 20 minutes/day, usually from 8:00am-2:20pm.
- While most preschool programs will follow the NYC public school calendar with holidays and summers off, some programs also run school holiday and summer camps.
3K & UPK
3K and UPK are New York City’s free, full-day early childhood education programs. You do not apply through the school; instead, you submit an application through the MySchools portal. You may list up to 12 programs, ranked by preference. Families then receive an offer in the spring based on the combination of a random lottery number, program availability, and preferences listed. You will be automatically waitlisted for any schools ranked higher than the school where your child receives an offer. At many preschools, already enrolled students will receive priority.
3K for All:
- For children who turn 3 by December 31
- Classrooms have a maximum of 15 students, 2 teachers
- Fall 2026 Admissions Timeline: Students born in 2023 can apply for the 2026-27 school year.
- Wednesday, January 14, 2026: 3K application opens
- Friday, February 27, 2026: 3K application closes
- Tuesday, May 19, 2026: 3K offers released
Universal Pre-K (UPK):
- For children who turn 4 by December 31
- UPK has its own DOE application process (families must reapply, even if they are enrolled in 3K)
- Classrooms have a maximum of 18 students, 2 teachers
- Fall 2026 Admissions Timeline: Students born in 2022 can apply for the 2026-27 school year.
- Wednesday, January 14, 2026: UPK application opens
- Friday, February 27, 2026: UPK application closes
- Tuesday, May 12, 2026: UPK offers released
Both programs:
- Free!
- Settings include public elementary schools, daycares, or private preschools, who are licensed for 3K & UPK
- Breakfast and lunch are included
- Use a DOE curriculum
- 6 hours 20 minutes/day (usually 8:00am-2:20pm) September through June, following the NYC public school calendar
Private schools
- Some families may choose to apply to private schools, many of which extend through middle or high school.
- These schools have lower student-teacher ratios and use their own curriculum.
- While some private schools have programs starting as young as 2, 3, or 4, the main entry point for most remains Kindergarten.
- The application process for private schools is more rigid and can be competitive at some schools. Expect early deadlines in the fall, mandatory school tours, family interviews, and playgroup visits. If you are accepted, you may have a short window to confirm enrollment.
- At many schools, priority may be given to siblings, children of alumni, and at some faith-based schools, members of the congregation.
New daycares and preschools in our neighborhoods
These schools have recently opened or are coming soon in Brooklyn!
NY Preschool & Kids Club | New location in Park Slope-Gowanus | NOW OPEN
NY Preschool & Kids Club has opened new flagship at 204 4th Avenue, with two big classrooms, a 15-foot rock wall, and a sensory play gym with a trampoline. In addition to a private 2’s program, 3K & UPK programs are available at this location! NY Preschool offers a new innovative, play-based curriculum called Tools of the Mind. They also have an Afternoon Club from 2:30-5:30pm.
The Nook Preschool | Park Slope | NOW OPEN
The Nook Park Slope, a new Reggio Emilia–inspired preschool at Sterling Place and 7th Avenue, is now open! They off a play- and art-based curriculum that emphasizes creativity, social-emotional growth, and outdoor exploration at the nearby Park Slope Playground. The program serves children ages 2–5 in a bright, multi-age classroom, currently enrolling 12–15 students. Hours run 8am–6pm with flexible 2-, 3-, or 5-day schedules. They have a Core Day from 9am–3pm, with Early Bird starting at 8am and Extended Day until 6pm. They also offer Mini Days (half days) and families can choose between morning (9am–12:30pm) or afternoon (3–6pm). Applications for Fall 2025 and 2026 are open here!
123 Boerum Childcare | Boerum Hill | NOW OPEN
This new childcare center in Boerum Hill serves toddlers ages 12–36 months in a cozy, newly renovated home-based setting. Daily activities include early language and literacy, music and movement, sensory play, art, outdoor visits to neighborhood parks, and guided social learning, along with weekly yoga, show-and-share, themed cooking, and home economics. Two dedicated playrooms support dramatic play, art, meals, circle time, and group activities.
Ia’s Learning Tree | New location in Carroll Gardens | NOW OPEN
Ia’s Learning Tree, with locations in Park Slope, South Slope, and Windsor Terrace, has a new daycare at 53 2nd Street in Carroll Gardens. The family-owned center offers Montessori- and Dewey-inspired programs for infant and toddlers (12 weeks to 3 years), as well as full-day preschool programs for 2 and 3-year-olds, with extracurriculars like music, Spanish, and yoga, plus meals included. The Carroll Gardens location features the first and second floors of a brownstone and a spacious backyard for year-round play.
Kuei Luck Early Childhood Center | Greenpoint | NOW OPEN
Kuei Luck Early Childhood Center’s new Greenpoint Campus, located at 171 Calyer Street in Greenpoint, serves children ages 6 months to 5 years with a Mandarin-immersion, play-based program. The school has modern classrooms, a spacious indoor play area. Educators guide hands-on learning through art, music, storytelling, and sensory activities. Rolling admissions, schedule a tour to visit!
Ladybug Daycare | New location in Boerum Hill | NOW OPEN
Ladybug Daycare & Preschool has a new center in Boerum Hill, located at 299 Pacific Street. They have programs for infants, toddlers, 2-year-olds, 3K & UPK, afterschool, and summer camp. The center features bright classrooms and an outdoor playground.
The Hive Early Learning Center | Greenpoint | NOW OPEN
The Hive is a home-style childcare center on the border of Williamsburg & Greenpoint that serves children ages 3 months to 4 years, with enrichment programs, afterschool care (3:00pm – 6:00pm) and summer camp for pre-K through 2nd grade. They even offer school holiday camps for when school is out! Rolling admissions, based on availability.
Petit Poussins | New location in Carroll Gardens | Opening January 2026
Petits Poussins is opening up a new location in Carroll Gardens at 283 Court Street. The French-English bilingual daycare will infants and toddlers ages 3 months to 2 years. Each classroom has one French-speaking teacher and one English-speaking teacher, with a curriculum focused on early language acquisition, well-being, and the development of fine and gross motor skills. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
