Mamdani and Hochul Bring 2-K to All of the Bronx and Staten Island, Adding 10,000 Seats Across Every Borough

NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the school districts that will receive the next 10,000 2-K seats in fall 2027, expanding the program to every borough, every Bronx school district and all of Staten Island.

Building on the historic launch of 2-K earlier this year and strong demand from families, the expansion will bring free, high-quality, culturally responsive child care and early education to more than 12,000 families beginning in fall 2027. To celebrate the announcement, the Mayor and Governor joined families and child care providers at a Bronx trampoline park to hop, bounce and leap toward a more affordable city for working families.

On the eighth day of his administration, Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul announced the launch of 2-K in five school districts around New York City for fall 2026. Families submitted more than 5,700 applications for the first 2,000 seats. Backed by a $1.2 billion State investment, this expansion advances the City’s vision of universal child care for children from six weeks to five years old.

“For far too many New York City families, the joy of welcoming a child comes with a terrifying set of questions: How will I afford child care? Will I need to give up my job? Will I be forced to leave the city I love? Today, for 10,000 more families, we have an answer,” said Mayor Mamdani. “From Co-op City in the Bronx to Staten Island’s South Shore, we’re bringing 2-K to every borough and making New York City more affordable for working people. Families have told us what they need. Together with Governor Hochul, we are delivering.”

“Generations of parents have had to contend with the stress of child care costs in this city and state – but thanks to our partnership with Mayor Mamdani, that’s changing,” Governor Hochul said. “Last month, we stood together to celebrate the first day of 2-K in New York City, welcoming more than 2,000 kids to their new classrooms. Now, we’re pleased to announce the next phase, expanding the program to 10,000 more families across the city, including all of the Bronx and Staten Island. This is how we deliver real relief for working families, and make sure our kids get the best possible start in life.”

“As an educator and a parent, I know that education begins long before kindergarten. These early years are critical to building the foundation for lifelong learning, curiosity, confidence, and connection," said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. "Universal 2K doesn't just help working New Yorkers, it gives our youngest learners a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success, and I'm proud to be a part of an administration that invests in our families from the very start."

“Expanding 2-K to reach 10,000 additional children is a critical step toward delivering universal child care for all New Yorkers,” said Emmy Liss, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. “We have learned valuable lessons from parents and providers as we launched the first 2,000 seats this year. Continued engagement with families, educators and communities will inform and strengthen the program as we expand.”

The expansion will bring 2-K programs to 17 more of the City’s 32 geographic school districts, covering all five boroughs and bringing the total to 22 school districts. The City will also expand capacity in the five districts already offering 2-K to better meet demand.

In addition to the entirety of the Bronx and Staten Island, the below neighborhoods will newly be receiving 2-K seats:

Manhattan

• School District 4: East Harlem; Randall’s Island
• School District 5: Central Harlem; East Harlem; Manhattanville / West Harlem; Morningside Heights; Hamilton Heights / Sugar Hill

Brooklyn

• School District 16: Bedford-Stuyvesant, including Stuyvesant Heights; as well as parts of northern Crown Heights and Ocean Hill
• School District 17: Crown Heights; Prospect Lefferts Gardens; Wingate; Prospect Heights; Flatbush; East Flatbush; as well as parts of Erasmus, Farragut, Rugby, Remsen Village, Ocean Hill and Brownsville
• School District 19: East New York; New Lots; Cypress Hills; City Line; Spring Creek; Starrett City; as well as parts of Ocean Hill, Brownsville and Canarsie
• School District 20: Bay Ridge; Fort Hamilton; Dyker Heights; Bath Beach; as well as parts of Bensonhurst, Borough Park, Sunset Park, Kensington, Gravesend, Mapleton / western Midwood and western Flatbush
• School District 21: Coney Island; Sea Gate; Brighton Beach; Gravesend; Homecrest; Mapleton / Ocean Parkway; Midwood; as well as parts of Bensonhurst, Borough Park, Madison and western Flatbush
• School District 32: Bushwick; as well as parts of East Williamsburg and northern Bedford-Stuyvesant

Queens

• School District 24: Corona, including North Corona; Elmhurst; Maspeth; Middle Village; Ridgewood; Glendale; Sunnyside; Woodside; as well as parts of Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst, Rego Park, Woodhaven, Forest Hills and Long Island City
• School District 28: Rego Park; Forest Hills; Kew Gardens; Briarwood; Jamaica Hills; Jamaica; South Jamaica; Richmond Hill; South Richmond Hill; South Ozone Park; Baisley Park; Rochdale Village; Springfield Gardens; as well as parts of Kew Gardens Hills, Hillcrest, St. Albans, Glendale, Corona and Elmhurst
• School District 29: Queens Village; Cambria Heights; Hollis; St. Albans; Laurelton; Rosedale; Springfield Gardens; Brookville; portions of Bellerose, Jamaica Estates, Holliswood, Hillcrest, Jamaica Hills, Jamaica and South Jamaica

The expansion builds on the five districts where 2-K launched in fall 2026: District 6 in Manhattan, District 10 in the Bronx, Districts 18 and 23 in Brooklyn and District 27 in Queens.

Today’s announcement builds on the City’s broader efforts to advance universal child care. The Mamdani administration is moving more than 10,000 children off the child care voucher waitlist and has invested nearly $700,000 in early childhood educator apprenticeships to strengthen the City’s ability to recruit, train and retain educators.

As 2-K expands, the City is also working to ensure child care providers have the support they need to deliver high-quality care. In August, the City announced an overhaul of the New York City Public Schools’ (NYCPS) Division of Early Childhood Education contracting and procurement processes to increase transparency, shorten timelines, improve customer service and create more opportunities for provider input. The City also announced a plan to hire more than 200 new staff members at NYCPS to strengthen the agency’s capacity to deliver these essential services. In September, NYCPS outlined broader procurement reforms to modernize and strengthen its contracting processes.

To help prepare for fall 2027, the City will release a survey for providers that currently contract with NYCPS and a Request for Information (RFI) for new providers interested in offering 2-K services. Both will be released within the next week. Additional information will be available here.

2-K will continue to be offered through center-based child care programs and licensed family child care programs. The default operating model will remain a full-day, full-year program.

More information about the fall 2027 application timeline for families will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information about child care options for children under five in New York City, visit nyc.gov/childcare.

“This dramatic expansion of 2K will help reach neighborhoods across the five boroughs and ensure that our kids have the resources to thrive at an early age, regardless of their zip code or household income,” said Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. “By running all day and all year, the program will support and empower working families. I thank the mayor for prioritizing this initiative and issue, and look forward to seeing it ultimately implemented in a way that enables access to everyone seeking a seat.”

“This expansion represents tangible progress towards affordability for working families with kids in New York City, and gives new and prospective parents a stronger reason to stay,” said City Comptroller Mark Levine. “These steps are critical to support our workforce, as they will draw and keep jobs and business here. I look forward to these 2K seats filling up for next fall, and continuing to work alongside Mayor Mamdani, Governor Hochul and others in advancing the effort to bring universal childcare to New Yorkers.”

"Affordable, high quality childcare is both the right thing to do for our families and an essential investment in keeping New York City's economy thriving. Today's announcement will make childcare possible for 10,000 of our youngest New Yorkers, all while easing care gaps and the cost of living for their parents. As a longtime champion of universal childcare, I thank Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani for bringing our city a step closer to this goal. The City Council will continue our work to support 2K and 3K expansion for families in every borough,” said City Council Speaker Julie Menin.

“As the cost of living increases and many of our residents are struggling to afford basic necessities, this expansion of the 2-K program will help ease the financial burden on our working-class residents and ensure New Yorkers do not have to choose between their careers and caring for their children" said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “Full-day care allows parents and caregivers to maintain stable employment, advance their careers, and manage family responsibilities without compromising their child’s academic future. Thank you to Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul for demonstrating time and time again their commitment to ensuring our youngest residents and their families receive the care and support that they need to thrive in our city.”

“The arrival of free 2-K in New York City is a lifeline to families, and the expansion of additional seats will ensure that more families’ childcare needs are being met by providing safe and enriching learning environments for children across the city. Universal pre-K has long been championed by the senate majority and it’s exciting to see the program grow through investments this year’s budget provided. More families are getting the support they need to build a more prosperous life in New York,” said Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, State Senate Majority Leader.

“As a working mom who hears from other parents in the city about the struggles of affordability, I want to recognize the Mamdani Administration for taking yet another step towards truly Universal Childcare for these families, regardless of income, background, or citizenship status,” said Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez, Chair of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood Education. “As this program continues to expand, we must continue removing barriers not only for parents but for providers to include more Family Childcare providers as well as strengthening payment systems and advancing pay parity across the workforce.”

“Expanding free 2-K is an important step toward closing the childcare gap and ensuring more New York City families have access to the affordable, quality care they deserve. I’m glad to see the City investing in our youngest learners and working families, especially those who need these resources most. Expanding access to childcare strengthens our communities and gives parents greater peace of mind,” said Councilmember Althea Stevens, Chair of the Committee on Children and Youth.

“The true measure of an affordable New York is whether families are able to build a life here without having to sacrifice financial stability to raise their children. Childcare is one of the earliest and most consequential expenses parents face, and its cost can limit their earning potential and undermine the financial security they are working to establish for their families,” said New York City Council Member Amanda Farías, Co-Chair of the Bronx Delegation and Chair of the Committee on Women and Gender Equity. “I was proud to have District 18 included in the initial rollout of free 2-K, and as Co-Chair of the Bronx Delegation, I am incredibly pleased to see this opportunity extended to every district in our borough with 10,000 new seats. Thousands of families stand to benefit from this, including parents who may now be able to return to school, accept a new position, or increase their hours at work because childcare is finally within reach. I commend Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul for the ambition behind this expansion and for recognizing the importance of making free, accessible child care a greater reality for Bronxites.”

“Child care is one of the biggest expenses that families in Upper Manhattan and across New York City face,” said City Council Majority Leader Shaun Abreu. “This 2K expansion will ease the burden for thousands of parents while giving more 2-year-olds a strong start, making an impact that families will feel right away and for years to come. Mayor Mamdani has made free child care a priority since day one, and Governor Hochul has put the state’s resources behind it to make it possible. I’m grateful for their partnership that’s showing what’s possible for New York families. I look forward to further success as the program continues to expand.”

“Expanding free 2K is an important investment in New York City’s children and working families. For too many parents, the cost of child care determines whether they can stay in the workforce, advance in their careers, or make ends meet. Early childhood education gives children a strong start, while providing families with much-needed financial relief. I thank Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul for expanding this program, and I look forward to making free, full-day, full-year early childhood education available to every family that needs it,” said Council Member Gale A. Brewer.

“When we invest in children, everybody wins. Ask any parent what their biggest source of stress is, and affordable childcare is right at the top of the list. With today's announcement, the grateful parents and grandparents of 10,000 children will soon breathe a sigh of relief knowing their children will have a strong educational foundation without a bill almost as high as renting an apartment,” said Council Member Simcha Felder. “I look forward to working with the Mayor and his administration to make free 2-K truly universal, including for children with special needs.”

“I’m thrilled that thousands more families in 22 districts across NYC will get free 2K next year,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler. “This means families struggling to afford childcare won’t be forced out of the city they call home, while kids will get the high-quality early childhood education they deserve. I’m deeply grateful to Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul for their bold leadership on this issue and commitment to building universal 2K.”

“In the South Bronx, families spend a higher percentage of their paychecks piecing together childcare each week than anywhere else in the country. In less than a year, 2-K has already proven to be a lifeline that is getting families out of poverty and is keeping them out of poverty. Early childcare is a key to building stronger communities and this expansion is monumental step toward unlocking our full potential in the South Bronx,” said Council Member Justin E. Sanchez.

“As the father of two young children, I know how much time we as parents spend thinking about childcare. Universal childcare and access to free 2K can mean the difference for parents making decisions about whether they can afford to raise their children in this city or whether they can take their dream job. I’m thankful to Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul for prioritizing our families and thrilled that we're expanding 2K seats in Elmhurst. Early childhood education is essential to ensuring the next generation of children can say proudly that they were born and raised New Yorkers; now families in Elmhurst are getting the support they need," said Council Member Shekar Krishnan, District 25.

“Far too many families in our community are forced to make impossible decisions about their child’s education and care because of rising costs and limited access,” said Council Member Lynn Schulman. “Universal child care must begin with meaningful, targeted investments in neighborhoods that need it most. The increase of new 2-K seats by 10,000, is a critical step toward making early childhood education truly accessible and affordable for every family. I want to thank Mayor Mamdani for this major investment in our city's families and the future of our kids.

“Early education is not only essential for our youngest learners, but for working parents who rely on childhood care to juggle multiple responsibilities. I am proud to join Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul in announcing the expansion of 2-K programs to ensure that early childhood education is accessible to all, especially for low-income communities,” said Council Member Oswald Feliz.

“As a mother of four, I know firsthand how important it is for working parents to have peace of mind knowing their children are safe, cared for, and given the opportunity to learn and grow. For too many families, finding affordable, quality childcare remains a challenge, and that should not be the case,” said Council Member Kamillah Hanks. “Expanding free 2-K is an important step toward easing that burden and giving our youngest New Yorkers a strong start. I thank Governor Hochul, Mayor Mamdani, and the advocates who have worked to make this possible. I look forward to seeing this expansion reach families across Staten Island because every child deserves that opportunity, regardless of their family’s income or ZIP code.”

“I’m enormously grateful that we have a Mayor who stands with us in the fight for Universal Child Care. Together with families and child care educators across New York, we will keep building on this momentum until we win full Universal Child Care,” said State Senator Jabari Brisport, Chair of the Committee on Children & Families.

“I was proud to have advocated for this expansion of New York City's free 2K program to include Staten Island, which is a huge step in the right direction ensuring that all families have access to quality childcare. Including Staten Island in the expansion will make a major difference in the lives of families raising children in our borough, many parts of which are a childcare desert. I know firsthand as a mother of two how much of a difference that universal childcare will make, and I will continue to push for expansions of this program across Staten Island and Southern Brooklyn,” said State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton.

“Childcare for 2-year-olds costs an average of $26,000 per year – that's an astronomical amount of money that is forcing parents to decide between paying rent, putting food on the table, or ensuring their kids are looked after. We’ve seen how much of a lifeline Pre-K and 3-K have become for working families, and so I am thrilled that free 2-K is being expanded across our city, including to Bushwick’s Community School District 32.” said Senator Salazar. 

“The expansion of New York’s free 2-K program into Northern Manhattan and all of the Bronx is a vital investment in the future of our children and families. Access to high-quality early childhood education helps establish a strong foundation for lifelong learning, social and emotional development, and future academic success. As the Senator proudly representing the 29th Senate District, including communities in Manhattan and the South Bronx, I believe that expanding access to early education is essential to help close opportunity gaps, support working families, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their family’s income or circumstances. Thank you to Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul for their commitment to investing in our youngest learners and building a more equitable future for New Yorkers,” said State Senator Jose Serrano.

“Child care is not a luxury, it is essential to the stability and success of working families. Expanding free 2-K means more parents can go to work knowing their children are safe, learning, and receiving the strong start they deserve, without facing another overwhelming household expense. I commend Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani for continuing to build on this historic partnership and expanding access to high-quality, free child care across New York City. This is how we make New York more affordable for families while investing in our children and our future,” said Assemblymember Al Taylor.

“Expanding New York City’s 2-K program is a meaningful step toward making quality early childhood education more accessible and affordable for working families, in every borough. Our families deserve support that helps them balance the high cost of raising children with the opportunity to give them the best possible start in life. As a mother of four, I know how important those early years are. I applaud Mayor Mamdani for advancing this expansion and working to ensure that more New York City children and families can benefit from these opportunities. Investing in our youngest learners is an investment in the strength of our communities and our city’s future,” said Assembly Member Monique Chandler-Waterman.

“As a father of two sons, I understand how universal childcare will help New York families,” said Assembly Member Landon Dais. “I thank Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani for investing in the children of the Bronx and Staten Island. Expanding 2-K gives more children a strong start and lets working parents earn a paycheck and provide for their families. I will keep fighting to bring 2-K to every family that needs it”

“As a mom, I know that affordable child care is essential for working families, and expanding access to free 2-K is an important step toward making New York City more affordable for parents who are doing everything they can to give their children a strong start. In working-class communities across Queens, the cost of child care puts enormous pressure on family budgets and forces too many parents to make difficult choices. I applaud Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul for their work to expand free child care and recognize the difference this investment can make for families across our city. Every family deserves access to quality early childhood education without having to worry about whether they can afford it, and I will continue fighting to make that a reality for our communities,” said Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas.

“Every parent wants to give their child the best possible start in life, but for too many families, the cost of child care makes that harder than it should be. No parent should have to choose between providing for their family and giving their child a strong foundation. This expansion of free 2-K is welcome news for thousands of working families who deserve a little breathing room and the peace of mind that their children are learning, growing, and thriving. I thank Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul for recognizing that when we invest in our youngest New Yorkers, we invest in the future of our entire city,” said Assembly Member Charles D. Fall.

“As a mom of young children in early childhood care, I know firsthand how important quality early education is—and how hard it can be for working families to afford. Expanding free 2-K across the Bronx and throughout New York City is a major step toward making our city more affordable, providing real relief for working families, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. I applaud Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani for this historic investment in our children and the families who keep our communities strong,” said Assembly Member Emerita Torres.

“Expanding 2-K to communities where families need it most is an important step toward affordable, high-quality early childhood education for all, and it keeps the administration's promise to NYC families. But universal access depends on center- and home-based programs that remain underfunded and the early childhood educators who remain underpaid. With funding identified for only two years, community-based providers need a long-term commitment so they can plan and grow, and families need to know these seats will be there for years to come. We look forward to working with the administration on the operational and workforce investments, including equitable compensation, needed to build an early childhood system that lasts,” said Tara N. Gardner, Executive Director, Day Care Council of New York.

“Today's announcement is an important step on our City's path to universal child care. Identifying next year's new 2-K districts early gives parents and providers time to plan. Families will know that relief is coming and can make a child care plan. Providers will have time to prepare their programs and ensure that they are offering a quality experience for our youngest learners. United Neighborhood Houses is grateful to the Mamdani administration for providing this important runway,” said Susan Stamler, Executive Director, United Neighborhood Houses.

“Before 2-K, fewer than 1 in 4 of New York City’s two-year-olds were served in publicly funded care. In East Tremont, 47.3% of children lived in poverty in 2024. Bringing 2-K to every school district in the Bronx puts expansion where need is greatest. We commend Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul for this commitment. The work ahead is ensuring 2-K narrows disparities in access rather than carrying them forward,” said Raysa S. Rodriguez, Executive Director, Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York.

“We have always believed and advocated that the equitable path to universal childcare must start with our families with the most need. We are thrilled that the new sites for 2K will be in the Bronx, one of the highest needs counties in our state and where so many of our home-based early educators have struggled to keep their doors open. This announcement sends a message that they are not forgotten and worthy of an investment,” said Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, Co Executive Director, Alliance for Quality Education.

“When parents and providers launched the 2-K campaign on a rainy Saturday in January 2025, we never imagined that just over a year later, we’d be celebrating free child care for 2-year-olds across New York City. Thanks to their tireless advocacy, and the leadership of Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani, 12,000 families from the Bronx to Staten Island will see their child care bills drop from $30,000 a year to zero. It’s rare for elected leaders to put their money where their mouth is. This time, they did. Thousands of parents will be able to return to work, and families can finally breathe a sigh of relief knowing their children will receive high-quality care, for free,” said Kellan Calder, Community Organizer, New Yorkers United for Child Care.

“Last November, New Yorkers made it clear that they shared NYC-DSA and Zohran Mamdani’s vision for a more affordable city where childcare was available to all and working people could stay and raise their families. Many doubted that democratic socialists could actually deliver on this vision, but we fought and demanded more from our leaders, and here we are one year later, announcing the expansion of 10,000 more 2K seats. This is just the start. We know truly universal, full-day childcare with fair wages for all childcare workers requires us to keep fighting to Tax the Rich and fund further expansion of this essential program,” said Grace Mausser, Co-Chair of NYC-DSA.

“UAW Region 9A is proud to stand with our allies and celebrate this announcement of 10,000 new 2K childcare seats. This expansion continues to fulfill the roadmap we sketched with New Yorkers United for Childcare in 2024 by putting tens of thousands of dollars back in working New Yorkers pockets, keeping working New Yorkers in NYC, and helping achieve the affordability agenda by fighting for our future,” said Brandon Mancilla, UAW Region 9A Director.

“We thank Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul for their commitment to expanding access to early childhood care and education across the five boroughs,” said Maria Odom, Executive Director of Advocates for Children of New York. “As 2-K continues to grow, we look forward to partnering with the City to ensure it is an inclusive and accessible program for all families, including families of children with developmental delays or disabilities.”

“For universal child care to be delivered in an equitable way, high needs areas must be prioritized in the rollout. We are pleased to see that some of the new sites for 2K are in the Bronx, a high needs county where family child care providers will be crucial partners in the successful implementation. We look forward to working with city and state leaders to ensure that all families have the care they need, and early childhood educators receive the thriving wages they deserve for educating and caring for our youngest New Yorkers,” said Shoshana Hershkowitz, Campaign Manager for the Empire State Campaign for Child Care.

“Moms are thrilled with the Mayor’s announcement of more slots for 2-K, which will benefit not only the families who can enroll their children but also our communities, small businesses, and the city’s economy,” said Diana Limongi, MomsRising Senior Campaign Director for Early Learning and a New York City resident. “We are impressed with the Mayor’s dedication to universal child care and the way he is expanding access in a thoughtful and equitable way that addresses the needs of families and also supports the child care workforce. We look forward to a continued partnership as he continues advancing universal child care, regardless of zip code or immigration status. Mayor Mamdani is providing the leadership on child care our city needs!”

“Today’s announcement by Mayor Zohran Mamdani to expand 2-K childcare seats is another victory for working families, childcare providers, and the communities that have fought tirelessly for universal childcare. At Las Doñas, we believe childcare is a right, not a privilege. While we celebrate this important step forward, our fight continues to ensure that every child in New York City has access to quality, affordable childcare and that the providers who care for our children receive fair wages, salary parity, and the dignity they deserve. This victory reminds us that real change happens when communities organize and demand what they deserve. This is a victory of the people, by the people, and for the people. ¡La lucha sigue!” said Claudia Valdivia, Childcare Organizer, Las Doñas.

“At WHEDco, we know that access to affordable, high-quality early childhood care and education lays the foundation for lifelong success while creating greater opportunity and economic stability for families. We applaud Mayor Mamdani and his administration for taking another important step toward making universal child care a reality. We are especially proud to see family child care providers recognized as vital partners in this effort, particularly in Bronx neighborhoods where home-based providers represent a significant share of the child care capacity available to infants and toddlers. We look forward to seeing their role further strengthened and expanded as an essential part of New York City’s early childhood education landscape,” said Davon Russell, President of WHEDco.

“This administration has proven that where there’s a will, there’s a way – and this includes increasing access to quality early education options,” said Lara Kyriakou, Senior Director of Policy at All Our Kin. “It is gratifying that more families will have access to 2K next year, especially in the Bronx, where communities continue to fight for equitable resources and investments. We look forward to continuing our work with City leaders to ensure that family child care educators are included in the planning and have the opportunity to participate in 2K.”

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