3-K and Pre-K applications open for parents; 2-Care program targets youngest learners
On January 14, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels celebrated the opening of 3-K and Pre-K applications at a child care center in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn. The initiative represents a centerpiece of Mamdani’s campaign pledge to provide universal child care by the end of his first term. Applications remain open through February 27, with enrollment guaranteed for any family applying by the deadline. h3 Addressing the Previous Administration’s Failures h4 Rectifying Cutbacks and Lost Outreach Mamdani criticized his predecessor’s approach to early childhood education, stating that the previous administration “sought to not only cut funding for the program, but also to cut outreach and advertising about early childhood education.” This policy resulted in thousands of empty seats, particularly in neighborhoods with high concentrations of immigrant and low-income families who stood to benefit most from public support. The United States Census Bureau data shows that child care costs represent approximately 10-15 percent of household income for many NYC families, making public options essential for economic mobility. h4 Reversing Inequitable Patterns Mamdani emphasized that the new administration would use “every tool at our disposal” to ensure parents know about available programs. The expanded outreach includes digital displays on TaxiTV and LinkNYC kiosks throughout the city. The Mamdani administration committed to guaranteeing that any parent applying for a seat will receive one, eliminating the lottery system that previously created uncertainty. h3 How 3-K and Pre-K Applications Work h4 Open to All Families The program accepts children turning three or four years old during 2026. Parents can apply through three channels: online at myschools.nyc, by telephone at 718-935-2009, or in person at one of 13 Family Welcome Centers across all five boroughs. h4 Language Access and Accessibility Applications are available in 13 languages online, with interpretation services covering over 200 languages through phone and in-person options. The Family Welcome Centers operate Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The phone line operates 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. h4 Non-First-Come, First-Served Process Families can apply anytime before the February 27 deadline without risk of losing placement. The non-competitive application process aims to reduce stress for parents juggling work and child care arrangements. h3 Universal 2-Care Initiative h4 Expanding to Youngest Children Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Mamdani announced the 2-Care program, offering free child care to two-year-olds in New York City. The program will launch in the city’s neediest neighborhoods, beginning with 2,000 children in year one. Full implementation across all interested families will occur over four years. h4 State and City Partnership The state will fully fund the first two years of the program, representing a substantial commitment to early childhood support. Hochul emphasized in her State of the State address that universal early care represents an investment in economic mobility and family stability. Economic research from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development demonstrates that public investment in early childhood education yields returns exceeding 7 to 1 through improved educational outcomes and increased parental workforce participation. h3 Strengthening Existing Programs h4 Enhanced 3-K Expansion Beyond 2-Care, the administration committed to strengthening and expanding the existing 3-K program, which serves families whose children are turning three. The mayor indicated that placement will be located closer to families’ homes and schools, reducing commute times and accessibility barriers. Schools Chancellor Samuels stated that “every child, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves access to a high-quality early childhood education, and no parent should have to make tough decisions to ensure that their kids are set up for lifelong success.” h4 Child Care Subsidies The administration will expand subsidies for families exceeding the income thresholds for free programs. This represents recognition that even partial subsidies enable working families to remain in the city and participate fully in the labor market. h3 The Early Education Equity Framework h4 Focusing on Disadvantaged Communities The rollout prioritizes neighborhoods where families face the greatest barriers to accessing quality early care. Research from the Barnard Center for Research on Women shows that lack of affordable child care disproportionately constrains workforce participation among women of color and immigrant families. h4 Setting Families Up for Success Long-term studies from the National Bureau of Economic Research demonstrate that high-quality early childhood education programs improve educational outcomes, increase graduation rates, and enhance lifetime earnings potential. The Mamdani administration’s focus on universal access reflects an evidence-based approach to reducing inequality. h3 Implementation and Support h4 Clear Communication Strategy The administration emphasized aggressive outreach to ensure parents know about opportunities. Digital advertising supplements community-based organizing and direct contact through schools and community centers. h4 Continuity of Care One concern for families has been transitions between different child care programs. The administration committed to creating systems supporting smooth transitions as children age out of 2-Care or 3-K programs. Coordinated enrollment across programs aims to reduce administrative burden on families. h3 The Broader Economic Picture For working parents, access to affordable early child care directly impacts career advancement and financial security. The Council of Economic Advisers estimates that lack of child care access costs the U.S. economy approximately 160 billion dollars annually in lost productivity and reduced workforce participation. By expanding public early care options, the city positions itself competitively for retaining working families. Mamdani’s commitment to universal early care reflects both moral imperative and economic strategy. Families can begin applications immediately, with final deadline February 27. For application details visit MySchools NYC and for early care policy see Department of Education.
