New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani just announced a groundbreaking expansion of free and affordable child care across the state. Speaking at the YMCA in Flatbush, Brooklyn, on January 8, 2023, Hochul emphasized the urgent need for affordable child care, stating, “Whether you live in Flatbush or upstate in the Finger Lakes, this is something every family can agree on: The cost of child care is too damn high!”
The initiative aims to expand the universal pre-kindergarten program that was initially launched by former Mayor Bill de Blasio. Currently available to all New York City residents, this vital program provides instruction and child care for children aged four and up. The expansion will make these services accessible to families state-wide, significantly alleviating financial pressure on parents.
This announcement responds to a critical need for affordable child care options, especially as families continue to face rising costs in many sectors. The program is poised to impact thousands of families, providing them with essential resources to support their children’s early education while allowing parents to return to the workforce without the burden of high childcare fees.
With an initial investment of $2 million, the expansion is designed to reach underserved communities across New York. The move reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that every child has access to quality education and care, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
As this development unfolds, parents and guardians are encouraged to stay informed about how they can take advantage of these new services. The initiative not only aims to support working families but also addresses broader economic challenges by enabling more parents to participate in the workforce.
Stay tuned for more updates as New York continues to lead the way in providing equitable access to education and child care. The urgency of this expansion highlights the state’s commitment to creating a brighter future for its youngest residents and their families.
