NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — New York City is expanding its 3-K program and Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Tuesday the addition of more than 1,000 new 3-K seats in 56 ZIP codes.
That will push the total number of slots above 40,000.
Beginning this September, families in five ZIP codes in the Bronx, six on Staten Island, eight in Brooklyn, 16 in Manhattan and 21 in Queens will see expanded 3-K access.
“For too long, families were promised universal 3-K but offered seats miles away – forcing them to pay out of pocket for child care or leave the city,” Mamdani said. “Today we’re making a new commitment: government can deliver real relief from the affordability crisis. By making 3-K truly universal, we’re building a city where every New Yorker can afford to raise a family.”
Staten Island is the only borough which is not part of the initial 2-Care program announced earlier this year.
Some from the borough objected to being excluded from the first 2-K round, although the Mamdani administration said they were always part of the 2027 rollout.
The 56 ZIP codes that will see expanded 3-K were selected based on historical enrollment patterns, early application data and potential provider capacity.
“Expanding access to 3-K means giving more of our youngest New Yorkers the strong start they deserve,” said New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. “Adding seats in communities where demand is growing helps more families access high-quality early childhood education that supports children’s learning, development and long-term success. This expansion reflects our commitment to meeting families where they are and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive from the very beginning.
Rebecca Balin is the executive director of New Yorkers United for Childcare, which is 11,000 parents and grandparents strong. Her t-shirt reads, “I want free childcare.”
The mayor calls it a no brainer.
“Research shows for every $1 put in, you get $13 back, and in Quebec, they did a study and among women, 16% more went back to work,” Mamdani said.
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