What you should know
- Atlantic Avenue center among seven sites opening this fall, adding 240 3-K seats to meet community demand
- Administration to add about 450 more 3-K seats at community-based sites in first phase of expansion
NEW YORK – Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels and New York City children cut through "red tape" at a formerly vacant early child childhood education center in Downtown Brooklyn, marking its official opening ahead of the fall term.
The Atlantic Avenue center is one of seven previously vacant sites that will open this fall, creating about 240 new 3-K seats citywide. The openings follow last week's announcement that the city would activate long-unused facilities to meet persistent demand for early childhood education.
The Mayor also announced today the City will add roughly 450 3-K seats at community-based organizations this fall, the first phase of a broader expansion aimed at making 3-K truly universal.
"No family should have to cross borough lines for child care when the space exists right on their block," said Mayor Mamdani. "For years, these classrooms sat empty while parents were told to wait. Today we're opening doors – and we're proving that this city can meet the urgency of working families with action, not excuses."
"When families can learn, grow and connect within their own communities, children begin their educational journey feeling secure, supported and set up for success," said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. "I am proud to expand access to these critically-needed programs for nearly 700 kids across the City, ensuring New York's Cutest have the strong start they deserve."
"The City of New York has been paying rent on a brand-new early childhood center on Atlantic Avenue – but has refused to open it," said Council Member Lincoln Restler. "Finally, after years of advocacy from my office and our community, the Mamdani administration is delivering on universal 3K at 274 Atlantic and across New York City."
As part of its push toward universal child care, the Mamdani administration is prioritizing neighborhoods where demand outpaces supply. Additional center-based seats will be announced after the City completes its review of responses to a Request for Information (RFI) issued earlier this year, along with planned expansions to family child care networks.
Since taking office, Mayor Mamdani has moved to expand access to child care across the five boroughs. On day eight of the administration, the Mayor partnered with Governor Kathy Hochul to secure funding for child care. Soon after, the City opened a long-vacant center on the Upper East Side to meet local demand, followed by a broader 3-K expansion in March and the launch of the City's first free, on-site child care pilot program for municipal workers.