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Pre-K 3 lottery and registration
Pre-K 3 applications for 2024-25 will be available May 6.
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 to qualify for a pre-K 3 program.
Children must be residents of the City of Albany to enroll in our pre-K programs.
Lottery applications for the 2024-25 school year will be available beginning May 6. They are due by May 31, and the lottery is scheduled for June 12. Registration for students selected for seats through the lottery begins June 17.
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.
To enroll in the City School District of Albany, New York State Education Law requires that students be residents of the district and of age to attend school. The following documents must be submitted to demonstrate this:
1) Documentation of birth
One of the following:
- Original birth certificate
- Original baptismal certificate
- Passport*
The following will be permitted as proof of birthday only if none of the above documents exist or can be produced*
- Official driver’s license
- State or other government issued identification
- School photo identification with date of birth
- Consulate identification card
- Hospital or health records
- Military dependent identification card
- Documents issued by federal, state, or local agencies
- Court orders or other court-issued documents
- Native American tribunal documents
- Records from non-profit international aid agencies and volunteer agencies
2) Parent/guardian photo identification
If you are not the parent listed on the birth certificate, you will need to provide certified copies of legal guardianship. Please also provide certified copies of any legal custody documents if applicable.
3) Proof of address
Two different items required in one parent/guardian name
- Each must include the name and address of a parent or guardian and must be dated within 30 days prior to registration date
- Parent or guardian must be able to produce one document from each category. Two forms of proof of address from Category 2 will be acceptable only if the parent/guardian is unable to produce a document from Category 1.
Category 1
- Copy of a residential lease; deed; or mortgage statement
- A notarized statement by a third-party landlord, owner, or tenant from whom the parent/guardian lease from or live with
- Other notarized statement by a third party establishing physical presence of parent/guardian within the school district
Category 2
- Cell phone/telephone bill (welcome letter from phone company is acceptable)
- Utility bill (electric, gas)
- Satellite/cable television bill or installation receipt
- Furniture rental statement (e.g. Aaron’s, Rent-A-Center)
- Auto insurance ID card
- NYS driver’s license, learner’s permit, or non-driver ID
- Payroll check (dated within the last two weeks) or income tax form
- Social security statements
- DSS documentation
- State or other government issued ID
- Documents issued by federal, state, or local agencies
4) Official immunization record
Must be signed by physician or clinic staff
5) Evidence of custody
Custody papers in the form of a court order or stamped petition are acceptable
- If the student is not the biological child, documentation must be presented which proves a permanent and total transfer of custody and control has been achieved
- Parents must be able to demonstrate they are the person in parental relation to the child, over whom they have total and permanent custody and control
- Under special circumstances, an affidavit may be used in substitution with approval from Pupil Personnel Services.
6) Report card or transcript
Required for all new students entering middle school and high school
Physical Exam Requirements
New York State Education Law requires all new entrants and students in pre-K, kindergarten, and grades 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 to have physical exams. New entrants must submit proof of physical exam within 30 days of the start of the school[Education Law §903, 8 NYCRR §136.3 (c)(1)]. If proof of physical exam is not returned to school before our school physicians come for physicals, your child will have a health appraisal in school.
The NYS mandated health form is the only physical exam form we are allowed to accept. Dental certificates are also requested but not required for entrance to school.
Vaccination Requirements
Proof of vaccination (Public Health Law §2164) is required within 14 days of the first day of school or day care. Children must receive the first age-appropriate dose in each immunization series to attend or remain in school or day care. The 14 days may be extended when the student is transferring from out of state or from another country.
Electronic copies of vaccination information and proof of physical exam may be uploaded when completing the Health Form during the online registration process.
If you do not have proof of physical exams or vaccinations, you may also complete and upload a medical release form to allow school personnel to request medical records from your child's physician on your behalf.
If you are registering a student with a disability who has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan be sure to indicate this information so necessary records can be requested.
For additional information or assistance, please contact our Special Education Department at (518) 475-6150.
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
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: 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Before-school care: 7:30-8:30 a.m.*
After-school care: 3- 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: None
After-school care: 3- 4:30 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
