Some families in New York City will get free child care next year. Zohran Mamdani shared the full plan in an exclusive interview with PIX11’s Dan Mannarino. Applications for the first 2,000 free 2-K seats will open in early summer, Mamdani said in the interview. The first 2,000 children will start child care classes in the fall, Mamdani confirmed to PIX11.
Mamdani said child care is one of the main reasons working families are leaving the city. “After housing, it’s the number one reason working families are leaving,” said Mamdani. Mamdani said $20,000 is considered a “good deal” for child care in New York City, and called it ridiculous. There are only two requirements to apply for the free program, Mamdani said in the interview.
In School Districts 18 and 23, families in Canarsie, Remsen Village, Brownsville, and Ocean Hill are eligible. In School District 27, families in Ozone Park, South Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Howard Beach, Woodhaven, and Rockaways can apply.
Some people are questioning how the city will pay for the program after state funding ends. Mamdani pointed to his plan to increase taxes on wealthy New Yorkers and corporations to help pay for the program. “We want this to be successful for years to come, and we know that success will be incumbent on recurrent, long-standing revenues,” Mamdani told PIX11 News.
Families can apply in early summer for the first 2,000 free 2-K seats, according to Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Q2. Who is eligible for NYC free 2-K child care?
Children turning 2 in 2026 who live in selected school districts can apply, no matter their income or immigration status.
Mamdani said child care is one of the main reasons working families are leaving the city. “After housing, it’s the number one reason working families are leaving,” said Mamdani. Mamdani said $20,000 is considered a “good deal” for child care in New York City, and called it ridiculous. There are only two requirements to apply for the free program, Mamdani said in the interview.
Free 2-K child care rules
The child must be turning 2 years old in 2026. The family must live in one of four selected school districts. Families can apply no matter their income, immigration status, or job. In School District 6, families living in Washington Heights, Hamilton Heights, and Inwood can apply. In School District 10, families in Fordham, Belmont, Norwood, Morris Heights, Van Cortlandt Village, and Kingsbridge qualify.In School Districts 18 and 23, families in Canarsie, Remsen Village, Brownsville, and Ocean Hill are eligible. In School District 27, families in Ozone Park, South Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Howard Beach, Woodhaven, and Rockaways can apply.
12,000 more seats next year
Next year, 12,000 more free child care seats will be added, Mamdani said in the interview. It is not yet clear where those 12,000 new seats will be located. Mamdani said he wants free 2-K to be available for every New York family within four years, according to PIX11. Kathy Hochul has agreed to pay for the program for the first two years.Some people are questioning how the city will pay for the program after state funding ends. Mamdani pointed to his plan to increase taxes on wealthy New Yorkers and corporations to help pay for the program. “We want this to be successful for years to come, and we know that success will be incumbent on recurrent, long-standing revenues,” Mamdani told PIX11 News.
FAQs
Q1. When can families apply for free 2-K child care in NYC?Families can apply in early summer for the first 2,000 free 2-K seats, according to Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Q2. Who is eligible for NYC free 2-K child care?
Children turning 2 in 2026 who live in selected school districts can apply, no matter their income or immigration status.
