Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced the launch of a new child care center provider permitting portal , replacing a fragmented and outdated system with a streamlined, fully online process that makes it simpler and easier to open child care centers across New York City.
The new portal consolidates application requirements, simplifies communication with the Health Department and provides real-time updates on application status - removing barriers that have long made it difficult for providers to open their doors. Developed in close collaboration with child care providers, the system is a key step toward delivering universal child care for both families and the providers who serve them.
"Until now, opening a child care center meant navigating a disjointed maze of paperwork and appointments. Today, we're cutting through that red tape. We're making it easier to open new child care centers, expand access to care and support the providers who are essential to this work - all while prioritizing the protections that keep our kids safe," said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. "Our child care providers are our first partners in the work to roll out universal child care - common-sense tools like this prioritize their needs, making our city's child care system stronger for all."
"The health and safety of our youngest New Yorkers starts with ensuring child care providers have the support they need to succeed," said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin. "With this new, modern digital portal, we are removing administrative hurdles that can delay the opening of high-quality centers. Getting more kids into free, safe, regulated environments faster will enable more New York City families to thrive."
"New York City's efforts to use technology to drive meaningful change should always center around the New Yorkers using these services," said New York City Chief Technology Officer and Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) Commissioner Lisa Gelobter. "Today's announcement is a direct result of the City engaging with the voices and experiences of our child care providers to deliver the simplified permitting solution they deserve. Through this modernized portal, our providers will be empowered to spend more time focusing on what matters most: caring for our kids."
Previously, applicants were required to submit documents to the NYC Health Department, often via dispersed emails, with no clear way to track progress, coordinate inspections or receive timely updates.
The new system allows applicants to:
- Complete applications and upload documents online, eliminating the need for multiple paper forms and email attachments.
- Centralize communication with the Health Department, reducing the need for separate emails and phone calls.
- Schedule required inspections with a single online interface.
- Track application status and next steps in real time.
The portal was developed in direct response to provider feedback and tested by child care providers across the city. The administration will continue to refine and expand the platform based on ongoing input from providers.
Today's announcement builds on the Mamdani administration's broader commitment to universal child care. With support from Governor Kathy Hochul, the City will launch an initial 2,000 2-K seats this fall. Earlier this month, Mayor Mamdani announced more than 1,000 new 3-K seats in high-demand neighborhoods and access to free 2-K programs in four communities across the city. The City will continue growing 3-K capacity for fall 2026 through partnerships with community- and home-based providers.
