According to this March 10 press release from NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s office:
Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced on Staten Island a major expansion of 3-K across all five boroughs. The City will add more than 1,000 new seats in 56 ZIP codes – moving New York closer to making 3-K truly universal for the first time.
Beginning this September, families in five ZIP codes in the Bronx, six on Staten Island, eight in Brooklyn, 16 in Manhattan and 21 in Queens will see expanded 3-K access, delivering on the Mamdani Administration’s commitment to fix and strengthen the program.
“For too long, families were promised universal 3-K but offered seats miles away — forcing them to pay out of pocket for child care or leave the city,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “Today we’re making a new commitment: government can deliver real relief from the affordability crisis. By making 3-K truly universal, we’re building a city where every New Yorker can afford to raise a family.”
“New York’s families thrive when our kids are supported and families aren’t burdened by the costs of childcare. I’m proud to partner with Mayor Mamdani to expand 3-K to more families across all five boroughs, building on our progress to deliver universal childcare and build a more affordable New York for all,” said Governor Kathy Hochul.
“Expanding access to 3-K means giving more of our youngest New Yorkers the strong start they deserve,” said New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. “Adding seats in communities where demand is growing helps more families access high-quality early childhood education that supports children’s learning, development and long-term success. This expansion reflects our commitment to meeting families where they are and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive from the very beginning.”…
Roosevelt Island is among the neighborhoods that will receive a portion of the 1 thousand additional 3K seats. Today I asked the Mayor’s office:
Who will be the new Roosevelt Island 3 K seats provider and how many seats?
Where will it be located?
A spokesperson for the Mayor’s office replied that providers have not been selected yet and the number of 3 K seats for each location is still to be determined.
Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 and the Roosevelt Island Day Nursery (RIDN) are currently 3K providers.
I asked PS/IS 217 Principal Mandama Beckman, the 217 PTA and RIDN if they:
… have any comment on the new Roosevelt Island 3K seats?
RIDN Executive Director Jean Monaco replied:
RIDN currently has 30 3K seats in 2 classrooms and we are full.
The physical space in our building will not accommodate additional seats.(DOHMH)
PS 217 may be adding more seats but we have a long waiting list and no room.
Reimbursement funding from the DOE continues to be exceptionally slow as well, so we remain very concerned about increased demand on an already stressed commodity.
No response yet from 217.
Here’s a March 2025 Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Committee discussion about the need for additional 3K and Pre K seats on Roosevelt Island.
Here’s today’s announcement from Mayor Mamdani about the additional 1 thousand 3K seats coming in September 2026.