DNAinfo.com New York Launches Interactive Guide to NYC's Public Pre-K Programs

NEW YORK, March 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Parents of 4-year-olds seeking one of NYC's coveted free pre-K seats have a new resource from DNAinfo.com New York.  With an infographic summarizing acceptance rates for every public pre-K program in the city, parents can quickly identify which neighborhood programs to apply to this year.

"Some of the city's most popular pre-K programs turned away more than 95 percent of applicants in 2012," said Julie Shapiro, DNAinfo.com New York's NYC Kids Editor.  "We want to inform parents about all of their neighborhood choices so their kids have the best chance possible of getting a seat this year."

Pre-K applications for this fall are due April 5, and allow families of children who turn four this year to rank up to 12 choices.  Parents can apply to any pre-K program in the city but have the best chance of being admitted to their zoned school and schools in their district, or any school where they already have a child enrolled.

"No matter where you live in New York City, there aren't enough pre-K spots to go around," said Michael P. Ventura, managing editor of DNAinfo.com New York.  "Our reporters spoke with parents and educators in every borough to uncover news ranging from expanded choices in Staten Island, overflow options in Brooklyn Heights and dual-language programs in Jackson Heights."

The Department of Education added 4,000 full-day seats in high-need neighborhoods this year.  In all, the city plans to offer about 20,000 full-day pre-K spots and 23,000 half-day spots this fall.

DNAinfo.com New York's interactive tool detailing the city's pre-K programs by location and acceptance rate can be found here:  http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20130304/new-york-city/pre-k-guide-see-chance-of-getting-your-child-seat.

DNAinfo.com New York's full NYC Public Schools Guide, the most comprehensive resource about the city's primary schools, is available here:  DNAinfo.com/NYCSchoolsGuide.

About DNAinfo.com New York
DNAinfo.com New York (www.DNAinfo.com/New-York) is the city's leading neighborhood news source. We deliver up-to-the-minute reports on entertainment, education, politics, crime, sports, and dining. Our award-winning journalists find the stories – big or small – that matter most to New Yorkers. The inspiration, funding, and strategic vision for DNAinfo.com come from entrepreneur and Ameritrade (AMTD) founder Joe Ricketts.

SOURCE DNAinfo.com New York