Mayor Mamdani Unveils Ambitious Plan to Expand Child Care Services in NYC

### What’s happening

– Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced an expansion of child care services in NYC, including a new program for two-year-olds.
– New applications for child care providers will open for the first time in five years, effective immediately.
– 2,000 child care seats will be added by the end of 2026, increasing to 12,000 seats the following year.

### Why it matters

– NYC families, especially those with young children, will gain access to more affordable child care options.
– Increased child care availability allows parents to work without the concern of inadequate care for their children.

### Key details

– The new 2-Care program for two-year-olds will roll out in phases over four years.
– Applications for 3K and Pre-K open until February 27, 2026, on the website myschools.nyc.
– Families can apply for assistance through 13 Family Welcome Centers across the five boroughs.
– Enhanced outreach efforts include advertisements on TaxiTV and LinkNYC.
– A request for information (RFI) for new child care providers is open until February 19, 2026.

The NYC Mayor’s Office announced a major step in expanding child care services under Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Chancellor Kamar Samuels on February 5, 2026. The administration launched a request for information (RFI) to allow new child care providers to apply for participation in the existing 3K and the new 2-Care program. This is the first opportunity for providers to apply in five years, reflecting a significant shift in the city’s approach to early childhood education (Source: https://youtu.be/Altodsq6q2o&t=913).

Under the new plan, the city aims to introduce 2,000 child care seats for two-year-olds by the end of 2026, with the capacity rising to 12,000 seats the following year. This effort is part of a broader initiative to achieve universal access to child care, addressing the long-standing demand for such services in a city where parents often struggle with the high cost of child care (Source: https://youtu.be/Altodsq6q2o&t=195).

Mamdani emphasized that these initiatives would help families who currently face burdensome decisions about balancing work and child care needs. The application period for existing 3K and Pre-K programs runs until February 27, 2026, and families can apply online or receive assistance at dedicated centers throughout the city (Source: https://youtu.be/Altodsq6q2o&t=1211).

Chancellor Samuels highlighted the importance of providing quality early childhood education to every child in New York City, asserting that no child should face barriers to high-quality care. This announcement marks a collaborative effort with Governor Kathy Hochul, who has committed state funding as part of the initiative (Source: https://youtu.be/OKscEdO36Gw&t=744).

For families, this means improved access to services that alleviate financial stress, as quality child care costs have been reported at upwards of $25,000 a year. The city and state are working together on this universal child care vision, aiming to ensure that all families have viable options for their young children (Source: https://youtu.be/OKscEdO36Gw&t=1220).

As the details of these programs unfold, the city has committed to keeping families informed about the application process and availability of child care services.