New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced last Friday that families can now see the first round of 2-K program options ahead of the application process, which opens on Tuesday.
The list of program options can be found on MySchools and features more than 550 home-based and center-based early childhood programs across several school districts including 6, 10, 18, 23 and 27, providing families multiple options aimed to meet their needs.
“The cost of child care has become a crushing burden that pushes families out of our city and stops working people from getting ahead,” Mamdani said. “2-K is about giving every child the strongest possible start while giving parents the freedom and stability they deserve. As applications open, we encourage every family in these first communities to explore their options, apply through MySchools and take advantage of this historic investment in New York families.”
The mayor first announced the 2-K program back in January along with Governor Kathy Hochul. The program will provide full-day, full-year child care regardless of ZIP code, income or immigration status.
Families will be able to apply for 2-K seats in the included districts beginning this Tuesday, with offers released in August. Applications can be submitted through MySchools, by calling 718-935-2009, or by visiting one of the City’s Family Welcome Centers.
“Fighting for New York families has always been at the core of my agenda and achieving affordable, universal child care is one of the many ways we are working to make New York the best place to raise a family,” Hochul said. “Today’s announcement means families across New York City will have access to free, high-quality, full-day, full-year child care for two-year-olds for the first time. I am proud to continue partnering with the Mayor to put our transformative investments to work to make the vision of achieving universal child care a reality.”
Earlier this month, Mayor Mamdani partnered with Bronx-born rapper Cardi B and Lin-Manuel Miranda to host a 2-K jingle contest, with New Yorkers currently voting to choose the winner.
