NEW YORK - Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani joined New York Liberty mascot Ellie the Elephant at Ewen Park in the Bronx's School District 10 to encourage families to apply for 2-K before the deadline this Friday, June 26.
Between dribbling basketballs and talking with families about the importance of universal child care, Mayor Mamdani and Ellie spread the word that parents can apply for free 2-K seats at myschools.nyc, by calling 718-935-2009 or by visiting a Family Welcome Center.
"There are just two days left to sign up for free 2K seats this fall. Every parent in this city knows that child care costs too much, wages don't go far enough and families are being asked to do more with less. We're changing that. We are starting with 2,000 free seats because every child deserves the opportunity to learn and every parent deserves the freedom that comes from knowing their child is cared for," said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. "You can fill out an application in less time than it takes to watch Miss Rachel and Elmo's Brushy Brush video, so don't wait. All you have to do is go to myschools.nyc to sign up."
First announced in January by Mayor Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul, 2-K is New York City's effort to deliver free, accessible, high-quality child care for 2-year-olds. The program will launch with 2,000 free seats this fall and expand to universal access within four years.
The majority of seats will provide full-day care from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., 260 days a year, replacing the traditional 180-day school calendar and giving working families reliable, year-round child care.
Families in Community School Districts 6, 10, 18, 23 and 27 can apply for 2-K through June 26 at MySchools, by calling 718-935-2009 or by visiting a Family Welcome Center.
