Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani Launch New York City’s Free 2-K Program

Governor Kathy Hochul today joined New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels to launch New York City’s free 2-K program. For the first time, more than 2,000 two-year-olds across the city are starting free, high-quality, full-day care made possible by Governor Hochul’s initial $73 million investment to stand up the program. The state’s investment in 2-K is expected to grow to $425 million by 2027, which will help bring thousands more seats online.

“I’ll never stop working to make New York more affordable, and our historic investment to launch New York City’s 2-K program will help families save more than $23,000 per year,” Governor Hochul said. “As kids start their first day of 2-K, they’re stepping forward into a brighter future – and with our record investments across New York, we’ll continue expanding childcare access for families statewide.”

New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani said, “For families starting 2-K today, childcare for all is more than a slogan. It means tens of thousands of dollars back in their pockets, the freedom to return to work and the relief of being able to stay in the city they love. We are building a childcare system that works for working New Yorkers. With 12,000 more 2-K seats coming next year and full universality to follow, we will build a system that works for every family and every provider. That is what New Yorkers deserve, and it is what we will deliver.”

New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels said, “Today, thousands of two-year-olds across the city are walking through the doors of a 2-K classroom for the first time and it’s a milestone moment for many families. I want to thank our incredible 2-K teachers and providers who have poured so much care into preparing their classrooms for this day, and I welcome every family to this next chapter of their child's learning journey. We are proud to offer families access to high-quality early care and education, and we're committed to making sure every child who walks through those doors this year feels safe, supported, and excited to learn.”

Governor Hochul, Mayor Mamdani and Chancellor Samuels greeted families outside the Mamá Tingó Childcare & Learning Center at Dominican Women’s Development Center in Washington Heights.

The Governor’s investment in New York City’s 2-K program is part of her historic effort to expand childcare, including a $1.2 billion increase in support for early childcare and early education efforts in New York City. These funds will bolster the City’s existing infrastructure to provide new 3-K seats to families across the city.

Earlier this month, Governor Hochul launched a historic expansion of free Pre-K seats in more than 400 public school districts across the state. Backed by a $560 million investment this year, the program is already lowering costs for families and helping to provide more families who want a Pre-K seat with access to one. New York is currently on track to deliver statewide universal Pre-K by fall 2028.