New York City Mayor Mamdani announced that the first batch of 2,000 free childcare spots for two-year-olds will be open for application from June 2 to June 26. The results of the selection process will be announced in August, and the specific service locations and providers list will be disclosed later.
This program is set to officially launch in September 2026, initially offering around 2,000 spots covering parts of Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens (School Districts 6, 10, 18, 23, and 27). The city government plans to gradually expand the service over the next four years to achieve citywide coverage.
This year, eligibility for application is limited to families residing in the aforementioned school districts, with no income, occupation, or immigration status restrictions. Children who are not yet two years old but will reach that age by the end of the year can also apply for a spot.
New York City’s Director of Education, Kamar Samuels, pointed out that the introduction of this program not only provides 2-year-old children with opportunities for learning and social development but also effectively alleviates the financial pressures on families during the childcare process.
According to the city government’s introduction, the 2-Year-Old Free Childcare Program aims to address the demand for affordable childcare services in New York City. Mayor Mamdani emphasized that this program will resolve the dilemma parents faced in the past between high childcare costs and maintaining family livelihood.
To attract public attention to the 2-K program, Mayor Mamdani collaborated with Bronx-native rapper Cardi B to announce a citywide song selection campaign, seeking original 15-second or 30-second promotional songs to encourage families involved in childcare to participate.
The deadline for the selection campaign is April 17 this year, and all submissions will undergo initial review by a panel of judges including Cardi B and other guest judges. The winning song will be chosen through public voting and will become the official theme song of New York City’s 2-K program, to be broadcasted on various platforms.