Mayor, Governor Unveil Free 2-K Seats for NYC Areas

First 2,000 seats to launch this fall in high-need neighborhoods across four school districts

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul announced the first four communities that will receive free 2-K seats this fall as part of a major initiative to provide universal child care from six weeks to five years old in New York City. The program will launch with 2,000 free seats this fall and expand to full universality within four years.

Why it matters

This initiative aims to tackle the child care crisis in New York City by providing free, high-quality early education for two-year-olds, regardless of zip code, income or immigration status. It will help working families access affordable care, strengthen the local economy, and ensure all children have a strong foundation for learning and development.

The details

The four communities selected to receive the initial 2,000 free 2-K seats are School District 6 (Washington Heights, Inwood, Hamilton Heights), School District 10 (Fordham, Belmont, Norwood, etc.), School Districts 18 and 23 (Canarsie, Brownsville, Ocean Hill), and School District 27 (Ozone Park, Howard Beach, Rockaways). The program will be funded by a $1.2 billion state investment and is expected to serve approximately 12,000 children citywide by 2027.

  • The program will launch with 2,000 free seats this fall.
  • The program is expected to reach full universality within four years.

The players

Zohran Kwame Mamdani

The Mayor of New York City who announced the 2-K program alongside Governor Hochul.

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York who committed over $1.2 billion to support early childhood care and education in New York City, including funding for the 2-K program.

Kamar Samuels

The Schools Chancellor who stated the 2-K program reflects a commitment to reaching families with the greatest need and building a system that grows to serve every child in every community.

Jabari Brisport

A New York State Senator who expressed support for the Mayor's fight for universal child care.

Carl E. Heastie

The New York State Assembly Speaker who said affordable, reliable childcare is essential for families and initiatives like 2-K enable more community members to enter or re-enter the workforce.

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What they’re saying

“Raising a child takes a village - and it takes a city government willing to step up and tackle the child care crisis head-on.”

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (Mirage News)

“Raising a family in New York shouldn't feel like a luxury, and today we're taking another significant step to deliver universal child care.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York (Mirage News)

“After years of fighting for universal child care, we finally have a Mayor who's fighting alongside us - and we're seeing the impact of that.”

— Jabari Brisport, New York State Senator (Mirage News)

“Affordable, reliable childcare is essential for families as they maneuver their day to day, making today's 2-K announcement a step in the right direction.”

— Carl E. Heastie, New York State Assembly Speaker (Mirage News)

“Guaranteeing universal 3-K and pre-K means New York chooses to invest in children's most critical years, keep families rooted in their communities, and build an economy where raising a family doesn't mean going broke.”

— Assemblywoman Chandler-Waterman (Mirage News)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This initiative to provide free 2-K seats in high-need neighborhoods across New York City is a significant step toward making universal child care a reality. It will help working families access affordable care, strengthen the local economy, and ensure all children have a strong foundation for learning and development.