Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today announced that families can now view the first round of 2-K program options on MySchools ahead of the June 2, 2026, launch of the City's 2-K application process.
The initial list includes more than 550 home-based and center-based early childhood programs across school districts 6, 10, 18, 23, and 27, offering families a wide range of options designed to meet their individual needs.
"The cost of child care has become a crushing burden that pushes families out of our city and stops working people from getting ahead," said Mayor Mamdani. "2-K is about giving every child the strongest possible start while giving parents the freedom and stability they deserve. As applications open, we encourage every family in these first communities to explore their options, apply through MySchools and take advantage of this historic investment in New York families."
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 across the five boroughs. The program will provide full-day, full-year child care regardless of ZIP code, income or immigration status.
Families will be able to apply for 2-K seats in districts 6, 10, 18, 23 and 27 beginning June 2, 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.
"Fighting for New York families has always been at the core of my agenda and achieving affordable, universal child care is one of the many ways we are working to make New York the best place to raise a family," said Governor Hochul. "Today's announcement means families across New York City will have access to free, high-quality, full-day, full-year child care for two-year-olds for the first time. I am proud to continue partnering with the Mayor to put our transformative investments to work to make the vision of achieving universal child care a reality."
"For the first time, families can log on to MySchools.NYC right now and see real, high-quality, free 2-K options," said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. "This is what it looks like when a city truly invests in its children and communities. Early childhood care and education is the greatest foundation we can give New York City's two-year-olds, I am excited to continue our work to ensure every family access to it."
"Today's announcement of providers is an exciting step for our City and the working families who rely on safe, quality, and affordable childcare" said Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. "As chair of the Council's Subcommittee on Early Childhood Education, I know the many steps this Administration has taken to engage with providers and vet those participating in this exciting launch. I congratulate those providers who have been selected, who have the most important job of caring for the youngest New Yorkers."
Since announcing the initiative in January, the administration has continued building out the program. In February, the City launched a 2-K request for information to expand provider participation, and last month, the Mayor announced that most 2-K seats will operate on a full-day and full-year schedule.
Earlier this month, Mayor Mamdani partnered with Bronx-born rapper Cardi B and Lin Manuel Miranda to host a 2-K jingle contest, with New Yorkers currently voting to choose the winner.
The Mayor and Governor announced the first four communities receiving 2000 free 2-K seats in March.
