NYC official overseeing Mamdani’s childcare expansion for 2-year-olds is stepping down

Simone Hawkins, deputy chancellor overseeing Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s childcare expansion for 2-year-olds, is leaving her role in September. Her departure occurs as the program prepares to launch with 2,000 free seats this fall. Officials praised her work in expanding early childhood programs and addressing payment delays, but did not disclose her reasons for stepping down.