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Now enrolling in Brooklyn, including free NYC 3-K for All

Cuddle Avenue

Free NYC 3-K for All

A free school day,
a strong start

Free NYC 3-K combining purposeful play, early academics, creativity, and social-emotional learning to build a strong foundation for Pre-K.

  • Ages3 – 4 years
  • Free school dayMonday – Friday
    8:40 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Location69 16th Street
    Brooklyn, NY

What we offer

  • Free School Day

    8:40 AM to 3:00 PM, funded by New York City

  • Meals Included

    Breakfast, lunch and snack from our kitchen

  • Kindergarten Ready

    Skills for the next big step

  • Extended Care

    Before and after care, 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM

Our 3-K program

Ready to Learn, Ready for Kindergarten

Our free 3-K classroom helps children separate confidently at the door, ask an adult for help, sit down to something difficult, share a table, and recover from a disappointment. Academics follow, and a child with these skills arrives at kindergarten ready to learn.

A teacher building a block tower with two children on the rug.
A child hanging her backpack in a cubby while a teacher watches.
A teacher and three children building a wooden train track on the floor.

Our approach

What a 3‑K Year Covers

We plan and observe with Teaching Strategies GOLD, the framework the city expects, so what a teacher notices becomes the next thing your child is offered. Sensory and outdoor learning happen most days, in most weather.

  1. Early Literacy

    Sounds, letters, stories and first writing

  2. Mathematics

    Counting, pattern, shape and measurement

  3. Language

    Conversation and vocabulary

  4. Social-Emotional

    Friendship and naming feelings

  5. Independence

    Dressing, serving and caring for the room

A typical day

A Day in Our 3‑K Classroom

The free school day runs 8:40am to 3:00pm, the same shape every day, so children always know what comes next. Before and after care are optional.

3-K Daily Schedule

Morning

  1. 7:30–8:40amBefore care: quiet arrival, breakfast, free choice
  2. 8:40–9:15amFree school day begins: group time
  3. 9:15–11:15amWork cycle: literacy, math, practical life, art and science
  4. 11:15am–12:00pmOutdoor learning

Afternoon

  1. 12:00–12:45pmLunch
  2. 12:45–2:15pmRest, then quiet work
  3. 2:15–3:00pmEnrichment and snack
  4. 3:00pmFree school day ends
  5. 3:00–6:00pmAfter care: outdoors, projects and a calm finish

Meals & snackRestOptional extended care (paid)

Hours and fees

What “Free” Actually Covers

The school day costs nothing. You pay only for the extra hours you use.

$0per week

The School Day Is Free

  • 8:40am – 3:00pm, Monday to Friday
  • Funded by New York City: nothing to pay
  • Breakfast, lunch and snack from our own kitchen, included
  • Any child turning three in the calendar year

Feeonly if you need it

Extended Care Is Optional

  • Before care, 7:30 – 8:40am: arrival, breakfast and free choice
  • After care, 3:00 – 6:00pm: outdoors, projects and a calm finish
  • You pay only for the hours you actually use

Runs at 69 16th Street, Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Ask about extended day

Enrichments

Beyond the Classroom: 3‑K Enrichment

Our enrichment program introduces children to music, movement, language, creativity, and hands-on learning through fun, age-appropriate experiences. Enrichment happens inside the ordinary day, never as a paid extra.

  • A teacher signing with children sitting on the rug.

    Sign Language

    Learning simple signs to support communication and language development.

  • A teacher playing guitar while children dance and play instruments.

    Live Music & Guitar

    A visiting music teacher joins us weekly for interactive songs, rhythm, movement, and musical activities.

  • A teacher holding up a Spanish word card for a group of children.

    Spanish Language

    A visiting Spanish teacher introduces children to Spanish through songs, games, and interactive learning once a week.

  • Children balancing in yoga poses on mats with a teacher.

    Yoga

    Playful stretching and movement activities that support balance, coordination, and body awareness.

  • Children gluing paper shapes into a collage with a teacher.

    Arts & Crafts

    Creative projects that encourage imagination, self-expression, and fine motor development.

  • Children pressing shapes into play dough and pouring at a sensory table.

    Sensory Development

    Exploring textures, colors, sounds, and different materials through hands-on activities.

  • Children building a ramp from wooden blocks with a teacher.

    STEAM

    Simple science, technology, engineering, art, and math activities that encourage curiosity and problem-solving.

  • Children planting seedlings in pots with a teacher.

    Gardening

    Age-appropriate gardening experiences that introduce children to plants, nature, and caring for living things.

  • Children slicing fruit and mixing a fruit salad with a teacher.

    Little Chefs: Cooking Class

    Simple, supervised cooking activities that introduce children to ingredients, food preparation, and practical life skills.

  • Children in doctor, firefighter and builder costumes playing pretend.

    Drama & Pretend Play

    Imaginative activities, storytelling, puppets, and role-playing that support creativity and social development.

A child eating a breakfast of yogurt, fruit and eggs at the table.

Nutritious meals

Healthy Food
for Growing Learners

Breakfast, lunch and snack come from the same kitchen and weekly menu as every classroom, served family-style and included in the free school day.

  • Included in the School Day

    No cost during the free 3‑K school day

  • Cooked on Site

    Freshly prepared in our own kitchen

  • Family-Style Meals

    Encouraging independence and social skills

Nut-Free and
Dietary Needs Supported

No nuts or nut products on site. We accommodate allergies, vegetarian and other dietary needs.

Families are welcome to provide alternative meals. Our weekly menu is in the Brightwheel app.

Enrolling

How a 3‑K Place Works

Places go through New York City’s own admissions. Apply through the city, name us, and we’ll help you through it.

  1. Step 1

    Come and See the Room

    Visit on a weekday morning to see the classroom and meet the teacher.

  2. Step 2

    Apply Through the City

    It’s the city’s application. List programs in order of preference. Cuddle Avenue is one you can name.

  3. Step 3

    We Help You Through It

    Call us while you apply. We’ll tell you where you are in the cycle and the current deadlines.

  4. Step 4

    Add Extended Care

    Arranged directly with us, separately from the city’s offer, only for the hours you need.

Locations

Daycare in Park Slope, Brooklyn

Explore our three daycare locations in Park Slope, Brooklyn, all just one block apart. We offer infant care, toddler care, Montessori-inspired 2-K, and free NYC 3-K for All.

A teacher welcoming a toddler and her mother at the gate of 69 16th Street, under the Cuddle Avenue banner.

NYC 3-K for All Program

69 16th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Our 3K classroom provides a bright and engaging learning environment, along with a spacious playroom featuring indoor climbing and other activities.

Programs
NYC 3-K for All Program
Hours
Monday – Friday, 7:30am – 6:00pm
A parent and child walking past the Cuddle Avenue Academy windows on 3rd Avenue.

Infant & Toddler Program

591 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Where the youngest children are: infant and toddler rooms for 6 weeks to 24 months, with the same hours and the same kitchen deliveries.

Programs
Infant care · Toddler care
Hours
Monday – Friday, 7:30am – 6:00pm
A teacher greeting a child and her mother outside 71 16th Street, under the Cuddle Avenue banner.

2-K Program

71 16th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Our Montessori-inspired 2-K Program provides a warm and engaging environment where children learn through play, develop independence, build social skills, and prepare for 3K.

Programs
2-K Program
Hours
Monday – Friday, 7:30am – 6:00pm

Parent reviews

Loved by Families, Trusted by Parents

We are proud of the trust families place in us. Read what parents have to say about their experiences at Cuddle Avenue Academy.

4.757 Google reviews

  • Noma9 months ago

    Cuddle Avenue Daycare stands out because of how much the staff truly care. You can tell this isn’t just a job for them. They are attentive, loving, and always willing to communicate with parents. My child has grown so much socially and emotionally since starting here. The environment feels safe and nurturing, and I’m grateful to have found a daycare we can fully trust.

  • gorkem bektasa year ago

    I am very glad this was a location i chose to send my son. Ayna the owner ,the teachers and staff are very professional, attentive and friendly. I’ve never had a problem since my son started the daycare in October 2023. A very loving and caring environment. My son is always excited and happy when he goes to the school. I have always felt comfortable leaving my son in their hands. They share everything about my son through the app throughout the day. I highly recommend this place.

  • Cynthia R2 years ago

    Cuddle Avenue is the best! They offer genuine, loving care to my child and the babies they care for. The staff is welcoming, will answer any questions or concerns. They keep you updated on your child’s day, offer healthy meals, and an educational, fun daily routine. My child started when she was 4 months old, and they made me comfortable with leaving my baby so young at daycare. She is now 21 months and as always is all smiles when she is dropped off, and all smiles at pick up. The reality is that it is difficult to select a daycare without knowing something about it. Cuddle Avenue was recommended to me by a friend who had both children attend and now I want to recommend it to anyone who may just not know where to start the search, what to decide. Cuddle Avenue truly cares ❤️

  • Nolan Woodle2 years ago

    We love Cuddle Avenue! Our son has had the most amazing time in their daycare. The teachers do a terrific job- they take a real interest in our son’s development and we can tell they genuinely love spending time with him. Our son has learned and developed so much since starting with them, I highly recommend them if you are looking for a daycare provider.

  • abbey ginsburg2 years ago

    We love Cuddle Avenue! We’ve been sending our son there since he was 4 months old and they are truly wonderful caregivers. They provide so many updates throughout the day and treat our son like one of their own. They’re invested in his happiness and development and I truly feel so at ease leaving him in their care. As a first time mom I could not ask for a better set of caregivers. If you’re looking for super high quality childcare, this is the place!

  • Julia Wilson Fisher2 years ago

    My son has attended this daycare for the past six months. He started at six months old and he is now almost 13 months old. He has always been happy to attend. The space is very clean and we receive many photo updates throughout the day, as well as updates about eating, diapers and naps. The team always responds nearly instantly to any messages we send. Everyone is friendly and seems to share a true love for the children under their care.

  • Angela Wanslow2 years ago

    We were so nervous to start our daughter in daycare when she was about six months old, but she LOVES daycare! All of the teachers at Cuddle Avenue are so kind and attentive, and we always know that our daughter is safe with them. We have had a great experience and would highly recommend it to anyone!

  • Faraaz Javed2 years ago

    Enrolling my son at a time when it was very hard for us to trust anyone with him, at cuddle Avenue was the best decision we ever made. The team is so friendly and made sure to give our son the individual attention he needed to adjust. Week 1 to week 6 was a massive difference and that was all due to the effort their team put in. Can’t thank these guys enough !

  • Loann Le3 years ago

    Choosing Cuddle Avenue Daycare was the best choice we made for our little one. Not only is the staff professional and caring the place (indoor and outdoor) is beautifully set up and clean. There are always educational activities scheduled and healthy food options available. I’ve seen our little one continue to thrive with each milestone through the months. She loves the staff and looks forward to going to daycare every day. We feel confident and safe knowing the loving staff will give her the attention and time she needs. I highly recommend them!

  • Irene Udovichenko4 years ago

    Bringing your 15 months old daughter to Cuddle Avenue Daycare was the best decision we made! All caregivers is extremely professional and not less important very loving! Great homemade meals, very well balanced. They have so many activities every day, cooking, gardening, crafting, yoga, music classes and more…She learns so mush every day. Definitely recommend this place. Thank you very much guys!

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Asked on every 3-K tour

Applying and Location

01If my child is not yet three

Start with our 2-K year. Most 2-K children move straight into this classroom.

02Where 3-K runs

69 16th Street, Park Slope, Brooklyn. 7:30am to 6:00pm with extended care, (800) 620-4221. See all locations.

03Is the school day really free?

Yes. 8:40am to 3:00pm, funded by New York City, with breakfast, lunch and snack included. You pay only for before or after care, if you use it.

04Does my child need to be potty trained?

Yes. Children starting 3-K need to be fully potty trained. If your child is still learning, our 2-K year supports it.

Free NYC 3-K

A free school day,
a real classroom

Come and see the room your child would spend the year in, and we will walk you through the city’s application while you are here.

Infant · Toddler · 2-K · NYC 3-K · Summer Camp

Give us a call (800) 620‑4221