Parent Information
Registering Students
When you come to the school to register a child, please bring the child with you. You must also bring the following:
Your child's birth certificate or passport
Your child's immunization records
Two documents to verify proof of residence (see below)
Your child must receive a physical examination before the registration process is complete. (Registration forms are available in the Main Office)
Proof of residence will be verified by any two of the following:
A residential utility bill (gas or electric) in the resident's name issued by National Grid, Con Edison, or Long Island Power Authority; must be dated within the past 60 days.
Documentation or letter on letterhead from a federal, state or local government agency, including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), City Housing Authority, Human Resources Administration (HRA), the Administration for Children's Service (ACS), or an ACS subcontractor indicating the resident's name and address; must be dated within the past 60 days.
An original lease agreement, deed or mortgage statement for the residence
A current property tax bill for the residence.
A water bill for the residence; must be dated within the past 60 days.
Official payroll documentation from an employer such as a form submitted for tax withholding purposes or payroll receipt; a letter on the employer's letterhead will not be accepted; must be dated within the past 60 days.
Pre-Kindergarten
Apply for Pre-K online here.
If you applied for pre-k in a public school through the website or a borough enrollment office, pre-k decision letters will be mailed to families in early June. If you missed the application period for public schools, but you are still interested in public school programs, you can also contact schools with available seats, directly, starting June 16. Email questions to info@ps161.org
If you missed the application period for public schools, you can also contact schools directly starting June 16.
If you live in New York City and your child is turning 4 years old in 2020, it’s time to think about applying to pre-kindergarten!
Children turning four years old in 2020 who live in New York City are eligible to attend pre-k programs.
Pre-k is free. You do not have to pay to attend programs offered by the NYC Department of Education.
Programs can be half-day (2 hours and 30 minutes) or full-day (6 hours and 20 minutes). Half-day programs may take place in the morning (AM) or afternoon (PM).
Programs are available at public schools and community-based organizations (CBOs). There are separate application processes for public schools and CBOs.
Pre-K Options: Public Schools and Community- Based Early Childhood Centers
Public School Pre-K Programs
The pre-kindergarten application period is now closed. Pre-k decision letters will be mailed to families in early June.
If you missed the application deadline for public schools, or if you want more information, complete this survey. We will respond with information about available pre-k programs in your area!
Familes who missed the application period for public schools should also contact schools directly starting June 16.
Community-Based Early Childhood Centers (CBECC) Pre-K Programs
(formerly Community-Based Organizations - CBO)
CBECCs are independent groups that contract with the Department of Education to provide free pre-k programs and other services to families.
CBECCs manage their own application process. Get the CBECC application from any CBECC program site or here. Then, deliver the CBECC application in person to each site for which you want to apply.
Admissions criteria vary by CBECC. Most CBECCs admit students on a first-come, first-served basis.
Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities may apply to all pre-k programs according to standard Pre-K Admissions. Some students may require additional supports. Please read about Pre-K Admissions for students who require special education services.