NYC Launches Free 2-K Program, Mayor Visits Canarsie Preschool

Mayor Zohran Mamdani reads to 3-K students as city expands early childhood education offerings

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani visited the Breukelen Early Childhood Development Center in Canarsie, where he read a children's book to 3-K students. The visit came as the city announced the launch of 2,000 free 2-K seats in four neighborhoods, with plans to expand the program to 12,000 seats next year and reach universal access within four years.

Why it matters

The expansion of free early childhood education is a key priority for Mayor Mamdani's administration, as research shows the importance of high-quality preschool programs in developing critical language, social-emotional, and cognitive skills in young children. The new 2-K program aims to make affordable, accessible childcare available to all families, regardless of income or immigration status.

The details

The Breukelen Early Childhood Development Center, which has been serving the Canarsie community for nearly 70 years, was selected by Mayor Mamdani to host his visit. During the visit, the mayor read a children's book to 11 attentive 3-K students and their teachers. The center's executive director, Monica Bechan, expressed gratitude that the mayor chose their program, noting that the new 2-K initiative will be a 'real blessing' for families in the area.

  • On March 3, Mayor Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of 2,000 free 2-K seats in four New York City neighborhoods.
  • The 2-K program will expand to 12,000 students next year and reach universal access within four years.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who visited the Breukelen Early Childhood Development Center and announced the launch of the city's free 2-K program.

Kathy Hochul

The governor of New York who partnered with Mayor Mamdani to announce the 2-K program expansion.

Monica Bechan

The executive director for Recreation, Rooms and Settlement at the Breukelen Early Childhood Development Center.

Emily Liss

The executive director of child care and early childhood education in Mayor Mamdani's administration.

Breukelen Early Childhood Development Center

A preschool program in Canarsie, Brooklyn that has served the community for nearly 70 years.

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What they’re saying

“He could have chosen a lot of programs; he chose this one, and I think this was an important one to choose. We've been in the community for close to 70 years.”

— Monica Bechan, Executive Director, Recreation, Rooms and Settlement (Brooklyn Paper)

“I definitely think this is something that the community needed for a long time. The children find family here, they find education, they find strong foundations. And I think 2k finding it earlier than 3k, I think, is a real blessing that's long overdue.”

— Monica Bechan, Executive Director, Recreation, Rooms and Settlement (Brooklyn Paper)

“The state is not walking away from this, and that's incredible, because we're building something we want to last the test of time to transform families for generations to come.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (Brooklyn Paper)

What’s next

The distribution of the initial 2,000 free 2-K seats among Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx will be determined based on the results of the application process and the capacity of providers in each community.

The takeaway

The launch of the city's free 2-K program represents a significant investment in early childhood education, providing affordable, high-quality childcare options for families across New York City. This initiative aligns with Mayor Mamdani's priorities and the growing recognition of the importance of accessible preschool programs in supporting child development and strengthening communities.