New York City will provide free childcare to all two-year-olds.
This marks the first free policy of New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani, who created a sensation with promises such as higher taxes on the wealthy, a rent freeze, free childcare, and free bus transportation.
Mayor Mamdani announced at a joint press conference with New York Governor Kathy Hokule in Brooklyn on the 8th, “We are launching a new free child care (2-care) program for two-year-olds in New York City,” and “We will also expand the existing 3-K program for three-year-olds and the pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) program for four-year-olds, strengthening universal child care services for children under five in the state.” This announcement is a measure to fulfill part of Mayor Mamdani’s campaign promise to provide universal childcare for children from six weeks to five years old.
New York State will fully fund the first two years of the “2-care” program in New York City, focusing on high-need areas identified by New York City in the first year and then gradually expanding to other areas. The city estimates that the new program will provide free childcare to approximately 100,000 additional children.
The total budget needed is $1.7 billion, and the statewide childcare and early education budget is projected to increase to $4.5 billion in fiscal year 2027. Furthermore, New York State’s plan to strengthen universal childcare will make all three-year-olds in New York City eligible for 3-K programs and all four-year-olds in the state eligible for free pre-K by fiscal year 2028-29. The state will also invest an additional $500 million to expand pre-K seats.
Governor Kathy Hokule said at a press conference that day, “Protecting families is a top priority for this administration, and I look forward to working with Mayor Mamdani to reduce the burden of childcare costs and make universal childcare a reality.”
She added, “Above all, I hope that this expansion of universal childcare services will help working families and their children in this state.” Mayor Mamdani added, “I look forward to working with the state to make New York City a place where parents can raise their children without financial burden,” and “Ultimately, we will work to provide free childcare to all children six weeks old and older.”
Mayor Mamdani’s office estimated the total cost of his universal childcare plan at approximately $6 to $7 billion annually, which he said could be covered by raising taxes on New York’s wealthiest families and increasing other revenue sources.