Many families in New York City are facing uncertainty and frustration with the city’s free 3-K program, as thousands of applicants were left without a placement. Parents, such as Ken Anderson, expressed their disappointment at the lack of clarity surrounding the application process and the future of their toddlers’ education. Most of the information parents received came from other parents rather than the Department of Education, leading to confusion and concern about the availability of spots.
Mayor Eric Adams has promised that every child who wants a seat in a 3-K program will get one, but the exact locations of the available 9,000 spots remain unknown. This has led to some families potentially facing lengthy commutes if they accept a secondary option. The approaching deadline to accept 3-K offers has left many families wondering what to do with impractical offers they have received, with some feeling that they have been misled about the availability of good 3-K programs.
One parent, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed frustration over receiving a 3-K spot that is a 50-minute commute from their home and refusing to allow them to tour the location. The lack of transparency and practicality in the offers has left many parents feeling disappointed and unsure of what to do for their child’s education if they do not have a 3-K option. Councilwoman Julie Won has heard from hundreds of parents in her district who are angry over the lack of clarity and misinformation surrounding the 3-K program.
Parents from all five boroughs in New York City can apply for schools across the city, regardless of their district, leading to potential confusion over seat locations and commute requirements. Borough maps can be misleading, as some seemingly close neighborhoods may actually require expensive or impractical commutes to reach. The DOE has stated that more than 200 parents who initially did not receive an offer now have one, but information on the location of these options is not yet available. The lack of transparency and clear communication about seat distribution and availability has added to the frustration of families.
City officials have also failed to provide a timeline for a report from consulting firm Accenture that would help map out the needs and available seats for the 3-K program. During a recent education hearing, officials backtracked on the amount spent on the report and were unable to provide a timeline for its release. The lack of a clear plan and timeline for addressing the needs of the 3-K program has further added to the confusion and frustration for families trying to navigate the application process. As the deadline to accept 3-K offers approaches, many families are left wondering what options they have for their child’s education.
