Celebrate NYC Expanding Free Childcare to 10,000 Children

More than 10,000 low-income children in New York City are set to move off the city’s childcare voucher waitlist, opening the door for thousands of families to receive free or subsidized care!

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the city’s Administration for Children’s Services announced that families will begin receiving invitations to apply for vouchers over the next few weeks. Eligible families can use the vouchers to cover care from a qualified provider of their choice.

The Child Care Assistance Program serves eligible children from six weeks through age 13, as well as children with special needs through age 19. Families with lower incomes, families experiencing homelessness, and families with children who have special needs will receive priority as the city works through the waitlist.

The expansion is supported by a $1.2 billion state investment in New York City childcare initiatives, including $475 million specifically for childcare vouchers. The city has also updated its childcare website so families can more easily find licensed providers that accept vouchers.

The announcement builds on other recent expansions of free childcare in the city, including the launch of 2-K and expanded 3-K opportunities. City officials say the latest move is part of a broader effort to increase access to affordable childcare for New York families.

Add your name to celebrate New York City’s expansion of childcare assistance that will move more than 10,000 children off the voucher waitlist and help more families access affordable care!