📣 Now Enrolling — Year-round for Toddlers · 3-K & Pre-K follows NYCPS enrollment schedule

Enrollment Guide

A Comprehensive Guide to Enrolling Your Child

Whether you’re a first-time or returning parent, welcome! This is where your child’s journey at East Harlem Block Nursery begins, and we’re here to help every step of the way.

GET STARTED

Choose Your Path

As both a NYCPS early education partner and a community-based advocate for Harlem families, we go beyond the standard curriculum and incorporate STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) programming that is not typically available to early learners in communities of color.

Children who stay at EHBN for all three program years also benefit from the deep relationships they build with each other, their teachers, and the community.

I'm enrolling for
the first time

For first-time families who are unfamiliar with EHBN.

Jump to Enrollment Process

We're bringing our child back to EHBN

For returning families who are re-enrolling a child or enrolling a sibling.

Jump to Eligibility by Program

The Best First Step Is Always a Tour

Meet our educators and see what makes EHBN special.

Schedule a Tour

The Enrollment Process, Step-by-Step

How to Enroll Your Child at EHBN

We’ve outlined the steps below to ensure your child’s enrollment goes as smoothly as possible. The path differs slightly depending on your child’s program.

Schedule a Tour at Your Preferred Center

Choose from either of our conveniently located centers: Central Harlem or East Harlem.

Toddler Program: Complete an ACS Application at your center of choice

This application can be completed at the center where you choose to enroll your child. Our onsite staff can help!

3K & Pre-K Programs: Apply Through MySchools.nyc

These programs are partnerships with NYCPS and require you to choose EHBN as your first choice via their website. Our staff can walk you through that process so you know what to expect.

Submit Required Documents to Your Center

We encourage all families to gather the required documents before visiting our center to ensure a smooth application process. See Documents Required to Enroll section below.

Confirm Your Start Date — Welcome to the EHBN Family

Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive a start date from EHBN if you’ve applied for the toddler program. For 3-K and Pre-K, you will receive an offer letter from NYCPS once your application has been processed.

Toddler Program: Year-Round Enrollment

If your child is 2 years old, they are eligible to enroll in the Toddler Program at any time during the calendar year.

Eligibility by Program

Which Program Is Right for Your Child?

Age ranges, funding sources, and how to apply — at a glance.

Toddler Program

Ages 2+

Subsidized (must meet eligibility requirements)

Contact center directly

3-K Program

Age 3

Free & Subsidized (must meet eligibility requirements)

MySchools.nyc

Pre-K Program

Age 4

Free & Subsidized (must meet eligibility requirements)

MySchools.nyc

Do you accept children younger than 2?

Unfortunately, we don’t at this time. However, once your child turns 2, we can accept them into the EHBN family.

Does My Child Qualify for Free Care?

We’re happy to discuss eligibility requirements with you.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Part of the Process Happens Outside of EHBN

For 3-K & Pre-K Families

Applying Through MySchools.nyc

This application is submitted with and processed by the NYC Department of Education (DOE). Before you submit your application, you’ll need to indicate which EHBN location is your preferred center.

For Toddler Families

Applying For an ACS Subsidy

The NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) provides income based subsidies for early education programs (toddler program) to qualifying families. While EHBN doesn’t have oversight over the application process, we have a lot of experience helping families submit successful applications.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Documents Required to Enroll

Here’s a list of sample documents needed for enrollment and subsidy applications, along with specific examples that will satisfy the requirements. Gather as many of these as possible before visiting one of our centers.

For All Families

Proof of Child’s Age: e.g., birth certificate, passport, Social Security card, or record of baptism.
Proof of NYC Residency: e.g., Lease, unexpired NY driver’s license, utility, or cable/internet bill that clearly states your home address.
Child’s Immunization Record
Child’s Medical Form
Proof of Income (for subsidy eligibility): e.g., income tax form from the previous year or payroll documentation from your employer dated within the last 60 days.

Additional — ACS / Toddler Program

ACS Application (center will assist)

Not sure if you have the right documents?

We can help you figure out what you need.

What is the subsidy, and how do I apply?

Our staff is experienced with these subsidies and can help.

Questions parents ask most

We've got answers.

Both locations offer the same exceptional programs and are close to public transit for easy commuting. Choose the one that works best for you and contact us today.

What's the difference between a school day and an extended day?

A school day lasts 6 hours and 20 minutes during the school year, from September to June. An extended day lasts up to 10 hours to accommodate parental/guardian work hours and is available year-round.

My child isn't 2 yet. When should I start the enrollment process?

You can start the enrollment process 2-3 months before your child turns two, especially if you plan to apply for an ACS subsidy.

Do I have to live in East or Central Harlem to enroll?

No. While most of our families live or work in Harlem, residency in the neighborhood is not required for enrollment.

Are meals provided, or does my child bring food from home?

Meals and snacks are provided. But you may also send your child to school with their own food.

Does my child need to be potty trained? How do you support this?

While we do not start the potty training process, we work closely with parents and caregivers to reinforce the potty training strategy being used at home.

How does the Extended Day/Year application process work? Is it complicated?

The Extended Day/Year program has specific eligibility rules and required documentation. It’s not complicated, but it does require gathering documents and submitting an online form. We’re very experienced with this program and can help ensure your application is complete.

What if my work schedule changes? Can I switch between school day and extended day?

It’s possible to switch from school day to extended day only if the desired seat is available. Please contact us directly to discuss eligibility.

Ready to Get Started?

The Best Way to Know If EHBN Is Right for Your Family Is to Walk Through the Door

Schedule a free tour at either location. Meet our educators, see the classrooms, and ask every question you have. No commitment required.