Applying to preschool doesn’t have to be complicated. Manny Cantor Center welcomes families into early childhood programs spanning infancy through pre-K, right here in our Lower East Side neighborhood. Our admissions team guides you through every step — from your first tour to your child’s first day.

As a nonprofit community preschool and a program of Educational Alliance, we work to make enrollment accessible to every family, regardless of income.

We incorporate Early Head Start, Head Start, Universal Pre-K (3K + UPK), and tuition funding to serve families across the Lower East Side and beyond.  

2026-27 Admissions  

The application for Infants, Toddlers, and Twos seats for the 2026-27 school year is open.

New York City Public Schools have closed 3K and Pre-K applications for the 2026-27 school year. Offers will be released by NYCPS in May. For additional information on the 3K + UPK admissions process, visit our Universal Pre-K (3K + UPK) webpage.

Manny Cantor Center is grateful for the generous support of the Jewish Communal Fund as the founding donor of our Infant Toddler Center with a gift made through UJA-Federation of New York, and for the JCF’s support in piloting this new model of family partnership.

Pre-K and 3-K in NYC: What Families Should Know

Many families come to us searching for pre-K in NYC or pre-K for 3-year-olds in NYC. Manny Cantor Center offers both: 3-K for 3-year-olds and Universal Pre-K for 4-year-olds, both funded through New York City and tuition-free for enrolled families. These programs follow NYC’s application timeline — our admissions team will help you understand eligibility and guide you through the city’s process.

For more about our 3-K and UPK programs, visit our Universal Pre-K page. Ready to apply? Return here or contact us directly.

Tuition, Subsidies & Financial Assistance

Cost should never be the reason a family can’t enroll. Here is a plain-language breakdown:

• 3-K and Universal Pre-K: Tuition-free through New York City for eligible families. MCC participates in both programs.
• Infant, Toddler & Twos programs: Tuition-based. MCC offers subsidy and financial assistance options — every interested family is encouraged to ask our admissions team about eligibility.
• Early Head Start / Head Start: Federally funded slots available for income-eligible families. Ask about availability when you schedule your tour.

Unlike many private preschools in NYC, Manny Cantor Center is a nonprofit community center. Our mission centers on access and affordability, not exclusivity. If you have questions about financial assistance, email enrollment@mannycantor.org.

Start Your Application — Inquiry Form

Ready to take the first step? Fill out the inquiry form below and a member of our admissions team will follow up within two business days. You can also apply directly for Infants, Toddlers & Twos or download our program brochure.

Frequently Asked Questions About MCC Preschool Admissions

How do I apply to MCC’s preschool on the Lower East Side?

Start by scheduling a tour, then submit an application to MCC’s admissions team at 197 East Broadway, New York, NY 10002. For NYC-funded 3-K and Universal Pre-K, families also apply through New York City’s preschool application process. For Infant, Toddler, and Twos programs, apply directly to MCC. Call (646) 395-4250 or email enrollment@mannycantor.org to begin.

Does MCC offer financial assistance or subsidies?

Yes. NYC-funded 3-K and Universal Pre-K are tuition-free through the city for enrolled families. For Infant, Toddler, and Twos programs, MCC charges tuition and offers subsidy and financial assistance options — all interested families are encouraged to ask the admissions team about eligibility.

Is MCC a private preschool?

MCC is a nonprofit community preschool and a program of Educational Alliance, not a for-profit private school. It offers both NYC-funded programs (3-K and UPK) and tuition-based infant and toddler care, with a mission centered on access and affordability on the Lower East Side.

What documents do I need to apply?

Required documents typically include proof of your child’s age and, for NYC-funded programs, proof of NYC residency. MCC’s admissions team will confirm the exact documents and current enrollment deadlines — call (646) 395-4250 or schedule a tour to get started.

Does enrolling in MCC’s preschool help with NYC kindergarten registration?

MCC’s early childhood team is familiar with the NYC school transition process. While kindergarten registration is handled separately through NYC Public Schools, our team can answer general questions and help your family feel prepared for the next step.

Contact MCC Admissions

Our admissions team is available Monday through Friday to answer your questions and help you take the next step.

• Email: enrollment@mannycantor.org
• Phone: (646) 395-4250
• Address: 197 East Broadway, New York, NY 10002

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