Was your child born in 2012? If so, it’s time to apply for kindergarten.

All children born in 2012 who currently live in the city are eligible to attend a public kindergarten starting next September. However, every family must submit an application to receive a placement.

Unlike preschool, kindergarten is mandatory in NYC. But there’s no need to panic about rushing your application in. All applications received by the Jan. 13 deadline are treated the same, according to each schools’ admissions priorities.

While kids are supposed to be guaranteed a seat in their local zoned school, it doesn’t always work out that way, so check out alternates. (You can list up to 12 schools on the application.) The city has some exciting options, including dual language, gifted and talented, and magnet programs. Attending school tours is highly recommended.

Families are able to apply in one of three ways:

• Online at schools.nyc.gov/applyonline. You can submit a single application for several schools at the same time.

• Over the phone, by calling 718-935-2400. (Families can access translation services over the phone in over 200 languages, the city says.)

• In person at one of the DOE’s Family Welcome Centers (see list of Brooklyn centers below).

Information about the application process is available in the online kindergarten directory. Additionally, hard copies of English and translated directories are available at Family Welcome Centers, all elementary schools and at local pre-K programs that are part of the city’s Pre-K for All Program. (Applications for pre-K will open in January.)

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Brooklyn Family Welcome Centers

1780 Ocean Ave., third floor

Brooklyn, N.Y. 11230

Districts Served: 17, 18, 22

415 89th St., fifth floor

Brooklyn, N.Y. 11209

Districts Served: 20, 21

1665 St. Mark’s Ave., room 116

Brooklyn, N.Y. 11233

Districts Served: 19, 23, 32

29 Fort Greene Place (BS12)

Brooklyn, N.Y. 11217

Districts Served: 13, 14, 15, 16

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