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.
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.
Early Literacy
Sounds, letters, stories and first writing
Mathematics
Counting, pattern, shape and measurement
Language
Conversation and vocabulary
Social-Emotional
Friendship and naming feelings
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
- 7:30–8:40amBefore care: quiet arrival, breakfast, free choice
- 8:40–9:15amFree school day begins: group time
- 9:15–11:15amWork cycle: literacy, math, practical life, art and science
- 11:15am–12:00pmOutdoor learning
Afternoon
- 12:00–12:45pmLunch
- 12:45–2:15pmRest, then quiet work
- 2:15–3:00pmEnrichment and snack
- 3:00pmFree school day ends
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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Step 1
Come and See the Room
Visit on a weekday morning to see the classroom and meet the teacher.
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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.
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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.
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Step 4
Add Extended Care
Arranged directly with us, separately from the city’s offer, only for the hours you need.
Take a Look Inside
Our 3‑K Classroom
Schedule a 3-K tour
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.
NYC 3-K for All Program
69 16th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215Our 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
Infant & Toddler Program
591 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215Where 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
2-K Program
71 16th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215Our 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
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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.
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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.
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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 ❤️
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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 !
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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!
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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!
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.
- 3–4 yrs
- Free 8:40–3:00
- 69 16th St
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