Mamdani takes first step in launching promised 2K program, though key questions remain
Mayor Mamdani on Thursday took the first step toward launching New York City’s planned universal child care for 2-year-olds by asking providers if they were interested in offering the new program.
During a lively press conference at City Hall featuring students from nearby preschools and TikTok influencer Julian Shapiro-Barnum, better known as “Recess Therapy,” the mayor announced a “request for information” for new programs interested in becoming 2-K or 3-K providers.
The city also launched a survey of current providers interested in joining 2-K or expanding 3-K capacity. Both submissions must be submitted by February 19.
Although the city still has a long way to go to get 2-K off the ground later this year, Mamdani promised to address challenges to implementing the program as they arise.
“I know many providers are at their breaking point: rising operational costs, low wages and high staff turnover have taken a toll. We can and will solve these problems together,” the mayor said.
2-K is expected to launch this fall with the first 2,000 seats in the highest-need neighborhoods, thanks to state funding allocated by Governor Hochul.
At the time of Mamdani’s announcement, the question of which neighborhoods would be first to benefit from the new program was still open. While all providers are eligible to submit proposals, the city “may prioritize providers who provide services in targeted districts and zip codes to be determined,” procurement documents state.
“We are going to keep New Yorkers informed on how we determine the location of these seats,” Mamdani said. “A key part of this request for information is actually in this request for information, as we seek to better understand parents’ views on these issues, as well as the needs in the city. »
The administration hopes to serve all families interested in 2-K throughout the city by the fourth year of its rollout. For now, funding from the governor’s office is expected to run out after the second year, when 2-K expands to 12,000 children — although Hochul said she intends to keep the program afloat.
