NYC Child Care

Need Help Applying for Child Care?

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New York City offers a variety of free or low cost child care and early childhood education options for families. Find a provider that works for your family.

Did you know 2-K starts September 2026?

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NYC families living in certain school districts can apply for 2-K on June 2, 2026. 2-K will expand to more communities in September 2027 and citywide by 2029.

Learn more about Child Care Permitting Portal

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The Child Care Permitting Portal is for new Article 47 license applications. The new portal consolidates application requirements, simplifies communication with the Health Department and provides real-time updates on application status.

NYC has a Child Care Center Property Tax Abatement

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Learn more about the NYC’s Child Care Center Property Tax Abatement. Property owners who create a new child care center, or increase seats at an existing center, may be eligible for a property tax abatement covering up to $750,000 in construction costs.

Our Mission

The Mayor's Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education (OCCECE) sets the strategy for NYC's path to universal child care for every child from 6 weeks to 5 years old. We want every family to have access to equitable, high-quality, free early education and care.

In this website families can learn more about the types of available child care options and how to apply for free or affordable child care. Current child care providers or those interested in becoming one can learn about resources available through New York City agencies and external organizations. Property owners can access information about child care property tax abatement. Employers can find information about how to support the child care needs of their employees.