Backlash Erupts as NYC Schools Move to Close Childcare Centers Serving Low-Income Families

A recent public hearing addressed the abrupt decision by New York City Public Schools to terminate leases for five early childhood care centers serving low-income families. The announcement, made a day after Mayor Adams revealed the preliminary budget for the upcoming fiscal year, left families and providers scrambling for alternatives without any prior notice. This decision raised significant concerns about the transparency and stability of the city’s early childhood education system.

On January 14, 2025, the city informed five centers—Nostras Niños in Williamsburg, Young Minds Daycare in Jamaica, Friends of Crown Heights in Crown Heights, Bushwick Child Care Center in Bushwick, and another in South Jamaica—of their lease termination. These centers collectively serve nearly 300 children, many from families in economically vulnerable positions who depend on affordable and quality childcare. The closures, scheduled without sufficient notice, could have devastating effects on these communities, particularly just as families were preparing for school year enrollment (Source: https://youtu.be/8I9gvH9-FXs&t=0).

Following this backlash, city officials temporarily extended the contracts of these centers through June 2026. However, while this measure brings some relief, it does not resolve deeper issues that prompted the original closures. Officials from New York City Public Schools cited reasons such as increased rent, low enrollment, and the presence of similar programs nearby. Yet, discrepancies in enrollment figures were evident—Nostras Niños reportedly had around 80% enrollment despite the city’s claims of abysmally low registration numbers (Source: https://youtu.be/8I9gvH9-FXs&t=99).

Providers expressed frustrations over compounded issues impacting their operations, notably delays in approvals for contracts and late payments from the city. Participants in the hearing highlighted that such administrative challenges could undermine stability across the early childcare network (Source: https://youtu.be/8I9gvH9-FXs&t=405). For instance, one provider noted frustrating communications concerning their futures and emphasized a lack of timely and accurate data from the Department of Education, which led to families being incorrect about enrollment options (Source: https://youtu.be/8I9gvH9-FXs&t=1310).

Advocates also pointed out that closing these centers disproportionately affects communities of color, stressing that quality childcare is not just a service but a necessity for working families. Providers argued for more proactive engagement from city officials to stabilize childcare services instead of pursuing closures that compromise educational quality (Source: https://youtu.be/8I9gvH9-FXs&t=509).

Given the severe implications of the closures, community leaders and educators at the hearing called for a reevaluation of the decision to better serve families who rely on these vital programs. The ongoing discussions aim to find long-term solutions that preserve early childhood education spaces and ensure they remain accessible to all families.