New York families are celebrating a groundbreaking announcement that will transform the lives of thousands of working parents struggling with sky high childcare costs. Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani have unveiled an unprecedented partnership to provide completely free childcare for two year olds across New York City, building on the city’s existing programs for older children. The ambitious plan will also strengthen the 3K program to ensure every three year old has access to care, while expanding statewide Pre K to guarantee that all four year olds in New York have access by the 2028 school year. Nearly 100,000 additional children will gain access to affordable childcare through this massive expansion, saving New York families billions of dollars annually.
The free 2 Care program will start in high need neighborhoods during its first year before expanding citywide by year four, with the state fully funding the first two years of implementation. For families currently paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month for toddler care, this initiative represents life changing relief that will allow parents to return to work or pursue education without the crushing burden of childcare expenses. Governor Hochul, who has already invested over $8 billion in New York’s childcare infrastructure since taking office, emphasized that fighting for families has always been at the core of her agenda as the state’s first mom Governor. The program will be overseen by a new Office of Child Care and Early Education dedicated to ensuring high quality universal childcare becomes a reality for New York families, proving that when government leaders work together with a shared vision, transformative change is possible for working parents and children across the state.
