Brooklyn resource guide · Sources reviewed October 25, 2026
Ten resources for families with children: child care assistance, preschool enrollment, developmental referrals, three Brooklyn Family Welcome Centers and three nonprofit family enrichment centers. Citywide programs listed here serve Brooklyn residents. This is a selected guide; contact the program to confirm current availability.
Start with the service you need
- Help paying for child care: see the voucher funding notice below before applying.
- 3-K or Pre-K: use the current NYC Public Schools admissions pages and MySchools.
- School enrollment questions: check whether to contact your school directly or a Family Welcome Center.
- Parent activities and community connections: explore the nonprofit family enrichment centers below.
To search regulated child care programs, start with NYC Health’s official child care search guidance. Contact a provider to check space, hours and payment arrangements.
1. ACS Child Care Vouchers / MyCity
Questions: 212-835-7610 — ACS child care call center.
Vouchers help eligible families pay for care. Current funding notice: the City says new eligible applicants who are not receiving Cash Assistance are placed on a voucher waitlist because funding is insufficient. Some waitlisted families are being invited to recertify on a rolling basis. An application does not guarantee a voucher or immediate care.
Apply or recertify through the official MyCity route. Families receiving Cash Assistance should request child care help through HRA. Existing recipients should follow their recertification notices; continued assistance depends on applicable requirements.
Official source: NYC child care applications and funding notice · Official source: ACCESS NYC voucher information and phone
2. NYC Public Schools — 3-K and Pre-K
Admissions help: 718-935-2009 — shared NYC Public Schools enrollment line.
For the 2026–2027 school year, 3-K is for NYC children born in 2023 and Pre-K is for children born in 2022. Use MySchools and contact enrollment staff about current openings and waitlists. Check the official pages for the next admissions cycle; application dates and available seats depend on the school year.
School-day programs and extended-day/year programs have different schedules and requirements. Confirm the seat type, hours, eligibility and any family fee with the program.
Official source: NYC Public Schools 3-K · Official source: NYC Public Schools Pre-K
3. Head Start and Early Head Start
Free early childhood programs for eligible families with children from birth through age five. Community organizations and nonprofits operate local centers. Use the program locator linked by ACCESS NYC, then contact the center about eligibility, documents and space. Enrollment is assessed by the program.
Official source: ACCESS NYC — Head Start and Early Head Start
4. NYC Early Intervention
Referral: call 311 and ask for “Early Intervention,” or use the referral portal on the Health Department page.
For families concerned about a child’s development from birth to age three. The program offers a free evaluation to determine eligibility; a referral is not automatic approval for services. Participation is voluntary and services are provided at no direct cost to families. The official page explains referral steps and options for children approaching preschool age.
Official source: NYC Health — Early Intervention
Brooklyn Family Welcome Centers
These centers assist with specific school enrollment and application questions. For a zoned elementary or middle school, or an existing school offer, contact the school directly first. Schedule an appointment through NYC Public Schools; call 718-935-2828 if you need help finding an appointment. This is a shared appointment-assistance number.
5. 89 Street Family Welcome Center
Address: 415 89th Street, 4th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11209
Districts listed: 13, 15, 20 and 21.
Official source: NYC311 — Family Welcome Center locations
6. St. Marks Family Welcome Center
Address: 1665 St. Marks Avenue, Room 116, Brooklyn, NY 11233
Districts listed: 14, 19, 23 and 32.
Official source: NYC311 — Family Welcome Center locations
7. Ocean Avenue Family Welcome Center
Address: 1780 Ocean Avenue, 3rd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11230
Districts listed: 16, 17, 18 and 22.
Official source: NYC311 — Family Welcome Center locations
Official source: NYC Public Schools — appointment booking, services and enrollment documents
Nonprofit family enrichment centers
ACS describes FEC participation as free and voluntary, without a referral, appointment or eligibility screening. Activities and resources vary. Check opening hours and the calendar for a particular event before traveling.
Official source: ACS — Family Enrichment Centers
8. The C.R.I.B. — East New York
Operator: Good Shepherd Services
Address: 2588 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207
Contact: 646-968-3399
Community-designed activities, parent connections and resource support. Ask the center about its current calendar and available resources.
Official source: Good Shepherd Services — The C.R.I.B.
9. The Yard — East Flatbush
Operator: Rising Ground
Address: 3521 Church Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203
FEC contact listed by ACS: 718-414-1222
Free community activities and family connections. The operator lists a community kitchen, children’s library, pantry and community wardrobe; confirm current access and supply availability.
Official source: Rising Ground — The Yard · Official source: ACS — center contact
10. RISE UP — Sunset Park
Operator: Center for Family Life in Sunset Park
Address: 341 39th Street, 6th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Contact: 718-438-9500
Family enrichment activities shaped by the Sunset Park community. Confirm the suite before visiting: the operator’s contact page and the ACS directory list Suite 604; the operator’s program page lists Suite 601.
Official source: Center for Family Life — RISE UP · Official source: Center for Family Life — current contact page · Official source: ACS — FEC directory
Before you visit or apply
Check the program’s current intake, school-year rules, eligibility and required documents. Confirm location, accessibility, language help and any fees with the provider. Website sources were reviewed October 25, 2026; telephone lines were not tested. This guide does not determine eligibility or guarantee an appointment, placement or benefit.