Pre-K 3 lottery and registration
Applications are now available for our 2023-24 Pre-K 3 lottery!
Applications must be received by June 2, 2023 in order to be included in the June 14, 2023 lottery drawing. Applications received after that time will be processed based on availability.
Our pre-K 3 programs are offered in community locations throughout the city. A child must be 3 by Dec. 1 of the enrolling school year order to qualify for a pre-K 3 program.
Please note that pre-K 3 registration is a two part process.
Step 1: Apply for a seat
You can apply at any time, however, we encourage families to apply through the pre-k 3 lottery held each year. Applications recieved outside the annual lottery window will be processed based on availability. Once you have completed an application, the district will send an official notification by mail and email to the addresses you provided. You will receive one of three letters: an acceptance letter, a waiting-list letter or a waiting-pool letter.
Prefer a hard copy? You can download a print application here.
Step 2: Accept an awarded seat and register
If you are awarded a seat and receive an acceptance notification, you must then register your child to officially accept the seat you have been offered.
Please note that for community-based programs, you will also need to complete registration paperwork for the organization running the program.
Program locations
Our pre-K 3 program is offered by community providers at the locations listed below. These locations also offer our pre-K 4 program. Please note that transportation is not provided for any pre-K program.
ACAP Head Start (three locations)
Please note that to be eligible for a Head Start prekindergarten program, your family must meet certain income requirements. For more information, call (518) 463-3175, ext. 135.
Early Learning Center
25 Monroe St. • (518) 463-3175 ext. 139
School day: 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Before-school care: 7:30-8 a.m.*
After-school care: None
Hackett Boulevard Head Start
21 Hackett Boulevard • (518) 463-3175 ext. 139
School day: 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Before-school care: None
After-school care: None
Nathan Lebron Early Learning Center
170 Ontario St. • (518) 463-3175 ext. 139
School day: 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Before-school care: 7:30-8 a.m.*
After-school care: None
Albany Jewish Community Center
340 Whitehall Road • (518)689-0039
School Day: 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Before-school care: 7-8:30 a.m.*
After-school care: 3-5:30 p.m.*
Capital Milestones Childcare
3 Harriman Campus Road • (518) 457-3210
School day: 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Before-school care: 7-8 a.m.*
After-school care: 2:30-5:30 p.m.*
Children’s Place at the Plaza
Swan Street Building, Core 2, Empire State Plaza,
Crystal Room Pavilion • (518) 473-7112
School Day: 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Before-school care: 7-8:30 a.m.*
After-school care: 3-5:30 p.m.*
Children’s Place at the State Education Building
10 N. Hawk St. • (518) 474-2918
School day: 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Before-school care: None
After-school care: 2:30- 5:30 p.m.*
A Child’s Place at Unity, Unity House of Troy, Inc.
50 Phillip St. • (518) 434-0815
School day: 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
After-school care: 7:30-8 a.m.; 2:30-5:30 p.m.*
St. Anne Institute
160 North Main Ave. • (518) 437-6735
School day: 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Before-school care: 8-8:30 a.m.*
After-school care: 3- 4:30 p.m*
Temple Israel
600 New Scotland Ave. • (518) 438-7858 ext. 120
Before-school care*: 8-9 a.m.
School day: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
After-school care*: 3:30-5:30 p.m.
*Many programs charge a fee for after-school care, and it is offered at the discretion of outside providers when there is sufficient enrollment and qualified staff. Contact the school or program for more information. The Albany County Department of Social Services may be able to help you pay. For more information, contact them at (518) 447-7435 or DSSchildcaresubsidyunit@albanycounty.com.
Additional information
For a look at the program curriculum, please visit the pre-K 3 page of our academics section.
If you need assistance registering in a language other than English, please contact our Office of ENL and Refugee Services at (518) 475-6147.
For information regarding pre-K students with disabilities, please contact:
For more information on how the annual lottery works, you can visit our lotteries page.
Have questions?
Director, Office of Early Childhood
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
