New York City families can now apply for the new 2-K child care program, with more than 550 home-based and center-based early childhood options available in the first round of the city’s effort to make affordable child care universal.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced last week that applications opened Tuesday through MySchools, featuring programs across several school districts, including 6, 10, 18, 23, and 27, providing need-based options to families regardless of ZIP code, income, or immigration status.

“The cost of child care has become a crushing burden that pushes families out of our city and stops working people from getting ahead,” Mamdani said. “2-K is about giving every child the strongest possible start while giving parents the freedom and stability they deserve.”

What the Program Offers

The 2-K program will provide full-day, full-year child care for two-year-olds. The mayor first announced the program back in January along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

“Fighting for New York families has always been at the core of my agenda and achieving affordable, universal child care is one of the many ways we are working to make New York the best place to raise a family,” Hochul said. “Today’s announcement means families across New York City will have access to free, high-quality, full-day, full-year child care for two-year-olds for the first time.”

Families will be able to apply for 2-K seats in the included districts beginning this week, with offers released in August. Applications can be submitted through MySchools, by calling 718-935-2009, or by visiting one of the City’s Family Welcome Centers.

Why It Matters for New York’s Economy

Child care costs in New York City are among the highest in the nation, and the burden falls disproportionately on working families. The NYC Economic Opportunity office has documented that the average family with young children spends more than $16,000 per year on child care — a figure that has forced many parents, particularly women, to leave the workforce.

The 2-K program could help change that equation by removing child care costs as a barrier to employment. For more on New York business and policy, visit Business of New York.

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