Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday the launch of the first phase of New York City’s 2-K program, providing free child care for 2-year-olds in four communities this fall. The initiative will initially offer 2,000 seats and is designed to expand citywide within four years.
The program targets families in neighborhoods with high economic need and limited access to affordable care. The first communities to benefit are:
Manhattan – School District 6:
- Washington Heights
- Hamilton Heights
- Inwood
- Parts of Manhattanville
Bronx – School District 10:
- Fordham
- Belmont
- Norwood
- Marble Hill
- Morris Heights
- Riverdale
- Spuyten Duyvil
- Van Cortlandt Village
- Kingsbridge
- Parts of Kingsbridge Heights
- Bedford Park
- Mount Hope
- Claremont-Bathgate
- East Tremont
Brooklyn – School Districts 18 & 23:
- Canarsie
- Rugby-Remsen Village
- Brownsville
- Ocean Hill
- Parts of East Flatbush-Farragut
- Prospect Lefferts Garden-Wingate
Queens – School District 27:
- Ozone Park
- South Ozone Park
- Richmond Hill
- Woodhaven
- Howard Beach
- Rockaways
- Parts of Lindenwood
- Springfield Gardens North
Applications are expected to open this summer, with enrollment beginning in September.
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Mayor Mamdani highlighted the financial impact for families, explaining that the program “will place at least $20,000 per child back in the pockets of parents across our city, and will make it possible for countless parents to return to the careers they love.” He noted that the neighborhoods selected were chosen based on economic need, existing child care demand, and provider readiness.
Governor Hochul emphasized the state’s commitment to the initiative, reporting that the first phase is fully funded for two years, with an initial investment of $73 million. She projected that state support could grow to $425 million next year, adding that the program is intended to make New York “the best place to start a family and build a future.”
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Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels stated that the rollout “reflects our commitment to reaching families with the greatest need and building a system that grows to serve every child in every community.” Parents attending the announcement expressed optimism that the program will provide long-term support for families navigating rising child care costs.
City officials stated that the 2-K program will provide inclusive access for children regardless of income, zip code, or immigration status, with additional planning underway to ensure participating child care centers are ready to operate effectively.
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