With a Friday cutoff looming, the mayor and congresswoman released a Spanish-language video to reach immigrant families
A Deadline, a Video, and a Message for New York Families
With Friday, February 27 marking the final day to apply for the city’s free 3-K and Pre-K programs for the upcoming school year, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined forces to get the word out — releasing a jointly produced video in Spanish specifically aimed at reaching immigrant families who might otherwise not know they qualify. The collaboration reflects both the political partnership between Mamdani and AOC and a substantive policy commitment to universal early childhood education that has been central to Mamdani’s platform since his days as a state assemblyman. The message in the video was direct: the programs are free, open to all children turning three or four years old this year, and available to families regardless of immigration status or the language they speak at home.
Why Early Childhood Education Matters for Affordability
Mamdani has repeatedly framed childcare as an affordability issue, not just an education issue. “Child care remains one of the largest financial burdens facing New York families. Programs like 3-K and Pre-K are free, open to any child turning three or four this year and can put an average $26,000 back in the pockets of working people,” the mayor said in the official announcement. That $26,000 figure reflects the average annual cost of private childcare in New York City — one of the highest in the nation and a figure that can represent a third or more of a median family income. The early childhood education push is part of a broader package that Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul announced in January 2026: a $1.7 billion expansion of childcare that includes universal pre-K statewide, universal care for three-year-olds in New York City, and a free childcare program for two-year-olds in the five boroughs. The 3-K and Pre-K enrollment push this week is the immediate on-ramp to that larger system.
The Immigration Status Question
The explicit outreach to immigrant families — delivered in Spanish and amplified by Ocasio-Cortez, whose Bronx and Queens district includes large immigrant communities — addresses a real barrier. Many immigrant families, particularly those with undocumented members, are reluctant to interact with city agencies out of fear that providing personal information could expose them to immigration enforcement. The Mamdani administration has been clear: immigration status is not a factor in 3-K or Pre-K enrollment. The programs are available to all New York City children. This posture is consistent with the city’s sanctuary city policies, which Mamdani has reinforced since taking office and which are currently the subject of ongoing legal and political tensions with the Trump administration.
How to Apply and What Comes Next
Families can apply by calling 718-935-2009 or online at myschools.nyc. The deadline was Friday, February 27. Programs are available across all five boroughs in a variety of settings including public school buildings, community-based organizations, and licensed childcare centers. After this year’s enrollment cycle closes, the Mamdani administration is expected to continue expanding access. The governor’s commitment to fund two years of the pilot program for two-year-olds is secured; the funding source for subsequent years remains an open question that will be part of ongoing budget negotiations. For parents seeking information on eligibility and program locations, the NYC Department of Education 3-K page is the authoritative resource. The research basis for early childhood education investment is thoroughly documented by the National Institute for Early Education Research. The state-city childcare partnership framework is described in detail by the New York Governor’s childcare initiative page. For immigrant families navigating city services, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs provides multilingual guidance. The collaboration between Mamdani and AOC on this announcement also signals the working relationship between City Hall and the congressional progressive caucus — a partnership that could prove important as federal cuts to education and social services continue to be threatened in Washington.
