New York City Mayor Mamdani Expands Free Childcare to All
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the expanded 3-K and pre-K programs will not check immigration status and have a Feb. 27 enrollment deadline.
Overview
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that expanded 3-K and pre-K programs will not ask children's immigration status and that applications open with a Feb. 27 deadline, he said in a media roundtable.
The action is part of the city's Universal Child Care Expansion, which Mayor Mamdani said he will implement with Gov. Kathy Hochul to make preschool free and add seats, officials said.
Critics warned the policy will strain city resources and raise questions about taxpayer equity, while Mamdani defended it as consistent with sanctuary-city rules that bar ICE access without a judicial warrant, he said.
The expansion is open to New Yorkers with children turning 3 or 4 anytime in 2026 and will use a phased rollout targeting underserved neighborhoods, officials said.
Enrollment closes Feb. 27, and advocates and opponents plan outreach and possible legal challenges, officials and reports said.
Analysis
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Sources (4)
FAQ
The enrollment deadline is February 27.
New Yorkers with children turning 3 or 4 anytime in 2026 are eligible, and the programs do not check immigration status.
2-Care is a new initiative to provide entirely free child care for two-year-olds in New York City, funded by the state for the first two years, starting in high-need areas.
Critics warn it will strain city resources and raise taxpayer equity issues, with possible legal challenges planned.
It uses a phased rollout targeting underserved neighborhoods first, with state partnership to strengthen 3K for universal access.
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