Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that applications are now open for the City's first 2-K seats. To celebrate the launch, the Mayor and Governor joined students from Sheldon R. Weaver Child Care Center on the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk, in one of the four communities that will receive the first 2,000 2-K seats this fall.
Families can apply for 2-K seats in School Districts 6, 10, 18, 23 and 27 beginning today through June 26, 2026, with offers released in August. Applications can be submitted through MySchools, by calling 718-935-2009 or by visiting one of the City's Family Welcome Centers.
"Today, for the first time, families across NYC can begin applying for free child care for their two-year-old, making the dream of 2-K in NYC finally a reality," said Governor Hochul. "No parent should have to choose between a job they love and a child they can't afford to care for. That's why we're putting this city and state on a path to universal child care, delivering relief for working families and ensuring every kid gets the strong start they deserve."
"Ask any parent of a young child, and they will tell you the same thing: child care has been too hard to find and too expensive for far too long. That is why, from the very start of my administration, we made universal child care a top priority," said Mayor Mamdani. "In partnership with Governor Hochul, this fall, 2,000 families will have access to free 2-K seats, and next year that number will grow to 12,000 families in every borough. Today's application launch brings us closer to a city where every family can access they need and every child gets the strongest possible start."
"For the first time, families can log on to MySchools.NYC right now and see real, high-quality 2-K programming options that are free," said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. "This is what it looks like when a city truly invests in its children and communities. Early care and education are the greatest foundation we can give New York City's two-year-olds, and I am excited to continue our work to ensure every family access to it."
Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul announced the historic launch of 2-K just eight days after the Mayor took office, along with a $1.2 billion investment by the state for child care in New York City. The program will begin with 2,000 free seats this fall, and expand to full universality over the next four years.
In April, Mayor Mamdani announced that a majority of these seats would be offered as full-day programs operating from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., 260 days per year, helping meet the needs of working New Yorkers. Families will be able to enroll in 2-K through center-based programs and licensed family child care homes.
The first 2,000 2-K seats will be available in the following school districts:
- School District 6: Washington Heights, Inwood and Hamilton Heights, as well as parts of Manhattanville
- School District 10: Fordham, Belmont, Norwood, Marble Hill, Morris Heights, Riverdale, Spuyten Duyvil, Van Cortlandt Village and Kingsbridge, as well as parts of Kingsbridge Heights, Bedford Park, Mount Hope, Claremont- Bathgate and East Tremont
- School Districts 18 and 23: Canarsie, Rugby-Remsen Village, Brownsville and Ocean Hill, as well as parts of East Flatbush- Farragut and Prospect Lefferts Garden-Wingate
- School District 27: Ozone Park, South Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Woodhaven, Howard Beach and Rockaways, as well as parts Lindenwood and Springfield Gardens North
"As the father of an elementary school student, I know first-hand the importance of early education in the overall development of our children. But for far too long, countless Queens families have struggled to find affordable childcare or that vital early education their kids deserve," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "With the launch of 2-K here in Rockaway and across South Queens, families will be able to enjoy both at no cost - boosting their children's development while protecting their bank accounts. I look forward to working closely with Mayor Mamdani, Governor Hochul and all our community partners on successfully bringing 2-K to every other Queens school district in the years ahead."
"I am so excited that today applications go live for families who will rely on safe and quality care for their precious two year old," said Council Member Jennifer Gutierrez. "As a working mother, I know how difficult it is to leave your child in someone else's hands, but for so many of us, it is our only option. Families in eligible districts can embark in our City's 2-K program process today and enroll their child for the fall. Families will rest easy knowing the cost is taken care of, and providers can be supported knowing they are being invested in. This is transformative change. I applaud Mayor Mamdani, the Mayor's Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education and New York City Public Schools for this incredible milestone."
"As a forever educator, I know that the earliest years of a child's life are critical to their growth, development, and future success. Expanding access to 2-K is a transformative investment in our children and families, ensuring that more young learners can build strong foundations before they enter school. I applaud Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul for taking this important step toward universal early childhood education and for making these opportunities available to families across our city. By providing access to high-quality early learning experiences at an earlier age, we are supporting working families, reducing barriers to opportunity, and setting our youngest New Yorkers on a path to thrive," said Council Member Rita Joseph.
"For working parents, access to reliable childcare can determine whether they remain in the workforce or fall behind," said New York City Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. "For our youngest New Yorkers, it means starting school ready to learn, grow, and thrive. I am thrilled that the first four free 2-K communities include areas of Council District 31. This initiative is a significant step toward providing families with essential support and giving children the strong start they deserve. I want to thank Mayor Mamdani, Governor Hochul, and our education partners for recognizing the needs of communities like ours in the outer boroughs and making this vision a reality. Today's announcement benefits not only District 31 but families across New York City, and I am proud to welcome this opportunity to our community."
"Access to reliable, trusted, local, and affordable childcare is critical for stabilizing our working families in a difficult economy. As a working mom, having early childhood education centers allowed me to run for office while ensuring my child was learning and growing in a safe space. Many of our providers are non-profits and small centers run predominantly by women of color who, too, need support. Expanding childcare access is a smart solution for all, and we are excited for families to apply for this fall," said Council Member Carmen De La Rosa.
"Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive from the very beginning," said Council Member Lynn Schulman. "As enrollment opens for 2-K, we are taking a major step forward in expanding access to free early childhood education and giving families the support they need to succeed. By investing in our youngest New Yorkers, we are investing in stronger families, stronger communities, and a brighter future for our city. I want to thank Mayor Mamdani, Governor Hochul, and our education partners for making this historic expansion possible."
"I'm proud to join Mayor Mamdani, Governor Hochul, and my Council colleagues to kick off the beginning of 2-K enrollment," said Council Member Shekar Krishnan. "This is a historic initiative that will transform the affordability of our city for working families. With Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul at the helm, we finally have leaders that understand the value and importance of child care, families, and gender equity in the workforce. Good quality and free 2-K is the key to ensure that the next generation of New Yorkers can say they were born and raised here."
"Expanding access to 2‑K marks a powerful step forward for our community. It opens the door for parents to give their children the gift of early learning, setting them on a path of curiosity and lifelong opportunity. As a representative for District 27 schools, I am deeply grateful that our families will have this access supported by the resources they deserve. I encourage every parent to embrace this moment and take full advantage of early investment into their child's future," said Assembly Member Khaleel M. Anderson, 31st Assembly District.
"Today is a momentous day for New York families. 2-K will mean all the difference for families across the city who are being priced out by the staggering cost of child care. We're grateful to Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani for listening to the parents who fought for this program - and for committing to make New York a place for all families, not just the wealthiest ones," said Kellan Calder, a Community Organizer at New Yorkers United for Child Care.
"For over a century, United Neighborhood Houses and our members have fought to expand access to high-quality early childhood education for all New Yorkers," said Nora Moran, Director of Policy & Advocacy at United Neighborhood Houses. "Today, as 2-K programs begin accepting applications, marks a historic milestone in our fight for universal care. UNH is grateful to Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul for their commitment to not only take this step, but to do so in partnership with providers. parents, and communities."
