MySchools

New York City's free childcare program for 2-year-olds (2-K) is accepting applications until June 26, offering 2,000 seats in high-needs neighborhoods starting September 2024. The program, part of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s affordability campaign, will expand to 12,000 seats next year, with state funding covering the first two years. Applications are prioritized for children in specific districts, and eligibility requires the child to be 2 years old by the program start date.

Applications for free early childcare and education for 2-year-olds in select New York City neighborhoods have opened. Parents and guardians of children born in 2024 can apply for the fall semester until June 26 via the MySchools website, phone, or in person at a Family location.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the first providers for the 2-K program, offering free full-day childcare for two-year-olds in districts 6, 10, 18, 23, and 27. Applications open Tuesday, with program options available on MySchools. The initiative, launched with Governor Kathy Hochul, includes a jingle contest featuring Cardi B and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Hochul and Mamdani have launched applications for a free 2-K program in select NYC school districts. Families can apply online via MySchools, by phone at 718-935-2009, or at Family Welcome Centers.

New York City preschool enrollment offers remained flat this year with 99,921 students, despite Mayor Zohran Mamdani's efforts to expand access. Mamdani attributed the stagnation to limited outreach under former Mayor Eric Adams, decreased city migration, and immigrant hesitancy, though some improvements in program matching and accessibility were noted.