NYC Expands Free Child Care
to 10,000 More Children

Mayor Mamdani to Deliver Free Child Care to More Than 10,000 Low-Income Children

Administration moves 10,000 children ages 6 weeks to 13 years off the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) waitlist 

Mayor Mamdani and the NYC Administration for Children's Services (ACS) today announced that the city will deliver free child care to more than 10,000 children by moving them off the child care voucher waitlist. Supported by a $1.2 billion investment from Governor Kathy Hochul towards the city’s free child care initiatives, today’s announcement will support low-income children ages 6 weeks to 13 years, and through age 19 for children with special needs.

As part of today’s announcement, the City has added a new feature to its child care map and website - nyc.gov/childcare - which allows families, for the first time ever, to search for licensed child care programs and filter for which of them accept child care vouchers. This announcement comes on the heels of a $5.2 million investment by Mayor Mamdani to eliminate all out-of-pocket fees for families receiving child care vouchers in New York City and builds upon the launch of 2-K, the city’s first free, universal child care program for two-year-olds.

“For families struggling to make ends meet, and the providers who deliver them high-quality and consistent child care, access to vouchers is nothing short of transformational. Today’s voucher expansion is a critical step in ensuring no family is left behind in our movement towards universal childcare,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Raising a family in the wealthiest city in the wealthiest country should never be the source of fear, stress and worry. In partnership with Governor Hochul, we will work tirelessly to make sure New York City is a place families are proud to call home.”

"Today's historic free child care expansion will bring relief to thousands more families across New York City,” said Governor Hochul. “In partnership with Mayor Mamdani, we're building a child caresystem that lifts up every family, from launching 2-K and expanding 3-K to moving families off waitlists and into high-quality care. No family should struggle to afford the child care they need and deserve, and I'll keep fighting to deliver universal child care for every family across our city and state."

“Thanks to the commitment of Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul, over the coming months, ACS will be able to provide child care assistance to thousands more children.  This is a win for children and families; a win for providers; and a win for the City of New York,” said ACS Commissioner Rebecca Jones Gaston.

“For many of the City’s lowest-income families and the child care providers who serve their communities, the Child Care Assistance Program is a lifeline, providing access to subsidized care that can make the difference between whether a parent can go to work and afford to raise their family here,” said Emmy Liss, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. “The Administration’s plan to expand access to care, enabled by the Governor’s investments, is a critical step in our overall commitment to deliver universal child care for all.”

The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provides subsidized child care for eligible children ages 6 weeks through 13 years old, and through age 19 for children with special needs. On day eight of this Administration, Governor Kathy Hochul committed $1.2 billion towards child care in New York City, including $475 million specifically to child care vouchers. Today’s announcement is a culmination of significant work by the city to stabilize vouchers for existing recipients and identify funds for expansion.

Over the next few weeks, ACS will begin inviting families with children on the waitlist to apply for a voucher.  If they are eligible, they will receive a voucher to cover the cost of care at a provider of their choice. Families will be invited on a rolling basis over the next few months. As mandated by the federal government, ACS will prioritize families that have income under 300 percent of the federal poverty line, are unhoused, or have a child with special needs.

"By harnessing the power of technology and data, the Mamdani administration is making it easier for New Yorkers to access the government services they need,” said NYC Chief Technology Officer and Office of Technology and Innovation Commissioner Lisa Gelobter. "Our Child Care Map update means NYC families don't have to make phone calls to learn if the center they want accepts vouchers. For the first time, the City is providing this information directly to families in a single place at the click of a button — saving them valuable time and empowering better, more informed decisions.”

“Today’s announcement marks a significant step forward in ensuring access to quality childcare for thousands of families across our city,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “Too often financial barriers stand in the way of our youngest residents receiving the highest quality care, support, and opportunities they need to excel. This investment will help ease that burden for families in our borough and provide greater peace of mind as they work to build a brighter future for their children. Thank you to Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul for continuing to prioritize initiatives that bring our city one step closer to achieving universal childcare”

“The $475 million that will directly fund the Childcare Assistance Program vouchers, which removes thousands of children off of the waitlist and into quality care, will be transformative for families and our communities” said Chair of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood Education, Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. “The growing number of children on the waitlist was a cause of concern for me and so many of my colleagues. Working families have more to worry about now than ever before. With the cost of groceries, housing, and healthcare so high, these CCAP vouchers provide a sigh of relief for so many families, knowing the cost of their childcare is taken care of. I applaud the Mamdani and Hochul administrations for their unwavering support to improve the way our city shows up for parents, and I look forward to the program’s implementation.”

“I am excited to see the City begin moving children off the CCAP waitlist and connecting thousands of families with the child care vouchers they have been waiting for. Our families deserve access to safe, quality, affordable child care, and parents deserve the support they need to work, provide for their families, and give their children the best opportunities to thrive. As Chair of the Committee on Children and Youth, I will continue to push for transparency and accountability to ensure that families are receiving the support they are eligible for and that we continue working to reach the thousands of children who remain on the waitlist. This is an important step forward, and we must keep moving until every family who needs a voucher has an opportunity to access one,” said Councilwoman Althea Stevens, Chair of the Committee on Children & Youth.

"I'm ecstatic today. For years, underfunding at the state level has let New York City's waitlist for child care vouchers balloon. But with this announcement, the parents of 10,000 children can rest easy knowing that they didn't wait in vain. It's a huge leap forward, and I'm glad Mayor Mamdani worked so hard for this,” said State Senator Jabari Brisport, Chair of the Committee on Children & Families.

“This is an extremely meaningful reopening of the CCAP waitlists that will give thousands of families the support they need right now. I’m incredibly grateful to Assembly Speaker Heastie, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Governor Hochul, Mayor Mamdani, and all of their leadership teams who worked tirelessly to get this done,” said Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, Chair of the Committee on Children & Families.

“This sweeping expansion of childcare vouchers will be lifeline for thousands of low-income families in New York City,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler. “These vouchers will keep thousands of young families in New York City by providing the reliable, full-time childcare they desperately need. I deeply appreciate Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul’s unprecedented investments in childcare vouchers and their commitment to expanding affordable early childhood education for New York City families.”

“With Governor Hochul making a major investment in child care and Mayor Mamdani bringing a clear commitment and focus to expanding access, thousands of New York City families and children will see real benefits,” said Council Member Eric Dinowitz, Chair of the Committee on Education. “As a former public school teacher, I know firsthand that the best investment we can make is in our children and working families. Affordable, high-quality child care gives children a strong start while giving parents the security and opportunity they need to work and support their families.”

"Funding the Child Care Assistance Program is critical to the families I represent. Through multiple administrations, I have pushed for increased funding so vulnerable families who rely on this program are not stuck on a seemingly endless waitlist," said Council Member Simcha Felder. "With today's announcement, relief is coming to thousands of parents and caregivers. I want to thank our parent and provider advocates for their tireless work, and Mayor Mamdani for making this a priority."

“Affordable child care is essential for families and for New York City’s economy. It allows parents to stay in the workforce, creates jobs for child care providers, and gives children a safe place to learn and grow. I appreciate the Mayor and ACS making this investment and beginning to move children off the voucher waitlist after 16 months. This will make a real difference for working families, and I look forward to continuing this work so even more families can get the child care they need,” said Council Member Gale A. Brewer.

“Affordable and reliable child care can be life-changing for working families. Ten thousand New York families will soon have access to these benefits when they move off the waitlist for the Child Care Assistance Program and are able to apply for vouchers that will allow them to afford the program of their choosing. I commend Mayor Mamdani for increasing access to child care for low-income families,” said State Senator Kristen Gonzalez.

“As a father and a leader in advancing policies and investments that support children and families, I know that access to affordable, quality child care can shape the stability and future of an entire household,” said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. "Providing child care assistance to more than 10,000 children currently awaiting support is meaningful progress for working families across our city. When parents have reliable child care, they have greater freedom to work, pursue opportunities and build a stronger future for their families. I commend Mayor Mamdani, Governor Hochul and ACS for their partnership and continued investment, and I look forward to remaining a strong partner in our shared work to make quality child care more accessible and affordable for every New York family.”

“More than 10,000 children now have a place in free childcare and their parents have one less worry," said Council Member Julie Won. "The Child Care Assistance Program affordable helps working class and immigrant families live more comfortably and thrive in New York City. Thank you to Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul for investing in this program, opening up the ACS Childcare Voucher waitlist until all eligible families and their children have free or affordable care."

“Expanding access to child care vouchers represent an important step for families who have been waiting for this support, including many families in the Bronx and specifically throughout the 32nd senatorial district that I am proud to represent. Moving more than 10,000 children off the waiting list means addressing an urgent need that directly affects the stability of working households across our city. For too many families, the cost of child care can mean making difficult choices between work, education, and other basic household needs. For this reason, access to affordable, high-quality child care is an investment in our children, but also in the economic security and well-being of their families. I commend Mayor Zohran Mamdani for expanding access to this critical support and Governor Kathy Hochul for the significant state investment helping make it possible. I look forward to continuing our work together to make child care more accessible and affordable for families in the Bronx and across New York City,” said New York State Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda.

“Every parent should be able to know their child is safe, cared for, and supported while they work, go to school, or provide for their family. For more than a year, nearly 29,000 low-income children have been waiting for child care assistance, and behind every number is a family trying to build a stable future. I’m glad we are finally able to begin moving children off the waitlist and connecting thousands of families to the care they need, but we cannot stop here. New York must stop treating child care as a benefit available to some families and build a truly universal system where every child has access to affordable, high-quality care, regardless of their family’s income. We need to keep investing until there are no waitlists, no gaps in coverage, and no families left behind. Universal child care must be the destination, not a promise for someday, but the standard we build toward now,” said Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas.

“Families across Brooklyn and the Assembly District 58 know firsthand that access to quality, affordable child care can make all the difference. When parents have the support they need to work, provide for their families, and build a better future, our entire community benefits. As a mother of four, a former child care provider, and now a legislator, I am proud to support this investment in our children and families; and grateful to Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul for making child care access a priority,” said Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman.

”This expansion of access creates a strong early childhood education pipeline that will be a tremendous benefit to families. Every day, we hear concerns about childcare access and the affordability of programs. This critical and necessary investment will help eliminate those barriers, ensuring that more families can access the quality care and educational opportunities they need while navigating life in one of the most expensive cities in the world,” said Assemblyman Khaleel Anderson.

“For too many New Yorkers, raising a family in the city they love can feel like an economic burden rather than a joy. The Child Care Assistance Program is a lifeline for working parents, and moving 10,000 children off the waitlist is a huge step toward ensuring no family is left behind,” said Assemblymember Micah Lasher. “I’m grateful to both Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul for delivering the investments needed to make quality, affordable child care a reality for more New Yorkers.”

“Child care is about more than a seat in a classroom, it’s about whether a parent can go to work, pay the rent, and build a better future for their family. Getting more than 10,000 children off the waitlist is a real step forward. I commend Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul for making this investment, and I’ll keep fighting to make sure we continue to expand access to high quality childcare for every child in our state,” said Assemblyman Landon Dais.

Opening the waitlist opens doors for families. ECE on the Move thanks Mayor Mamdani for helping release funding that had been held back so more families can access child care. This is a welcome step, and our work continues until every family waiting can receive care. We need the Mayor and Governor to build on this progress with sustained new investment, full CCAP funding, living wages for educators in every setting, and benefits comparable to K–12. Access for families and pay justice for educators must move forward together,” said Gladys Jones, Founder and CEO, ECE on the Move.

“As New York City moves toward universal child care, connecting more families to care while making full use of the child care capacity that already exists in our communities is the most effective and immediate way to expand access. Moving families off the child care voucher waitlist makes an immediate difference in their ability to work, go to school, and support their families with the peace of mind that their children have a safe place to learn and grow. At the same time, filling available seats helps sustain the programs and educators who make quality child care possible every day. This investment puts existing capacity and resources to work for more New York City families,” said Tara N. Gardner, Executive Director, Day Care Council of New York.

"Vouchers are how most two-year-olds reach publicly funded care today: nearly three in four in the 2-K pilot districts, according to CCC's analysis released today. Recurring funding to move families off the waitlist connects more children with care, year after year. As the City builds toward universal 2-K and universal child care, voucher access must keep growing alongside investment in providers, the workforce, and facilities, especially in neighborhoods where care is hardest to find," said Raysa S. Rodriguez, executive director of Citizens' Committee for Children of New York.

“As Chair of the UFT Family Child Care Providers Chapter, I know firsthand that child care vouchers support both the families who need care and the providers who make that care possible. When families have access to vouchers, children gain stable, nurturing learning environments, parents can work, and child care providers can maintain enrollment and sustain their programs. This investment strengthens the entire child care system of New York City,” said Tammie Miller, UFT Chapter Chair - NYC Childcare Providers.

"New York City's child care voucher waitlist has left families with fewer care options and providers with unstable revenue on top of very thin operating margins. Access to high quality, full day, full year child care is life-changing for families who otherwise could not afford to pay. Mayor Mamdani is taking the right steps by addressing the waitlist so that more New Yorkers have the support they need,” said Susan Stamler, Executive Director, United Neighborhood Houses.

“Thousands of struggling New York City families have been stuck waiting for access to a CCAP voucher that would allow them to afford childcare. We’re excited to stand with the Mayor and allies across the city as he announces that for many families the wait is finally over. The call to make childcare universal is one of the reasons NYCC supported Mayor Mamdani’s campaign from day one. Today his administration takes yet another step towards fulfilling that promise. But truly universal childcare includes budgeting for the true cost of providing child care -- including the cost of thriving wages and benefits for the entire workforce -- while guaranteeing care for every family. We will continue to fight to ensure that the city has the resources we need to make the promise of universal childcare a reality for every family that needs it,” said Olivia Leirer, executive director of New York Communities for Change.

“We applaud the City's increased investment in the child care voucher program. Vouchers are an especially important source of support for many children and parents who rely on family child care programs. As these programs begin to restore their rosters, parents will be able to work without worry, and children will be able to get back to the business of learning through play. We are thrilled to see the City take this important step toward fully funding the child care voucher program,” Jessica Sager, Co-Founder and CEO, All Our Kin.

“We commend Mayor Mamdani and his administration for beginning to clear NYC’s child care assistance waiting list. Families who have been waiting for child care assistance will finally get some relief, as will the educators and providers who serve them. The waiting list is the product of chronic underfunding and increased need, and while the state has begun to address this crisis, it must go further and act boldly. Mayor Mamdani has rightly called for taxing the ultra-wealthy to pay more so we can invest in our New York. We stand by that call, and are ready to fight alongside families and providers for the well-funded, truly universal child care system New Yorkers need,” said Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, Co Executive Director, Alliance for Quality Education.

“For working parents in this city, finding affordable, high-quality childcare is one of the primary sources of stress and anxiety. With over 25,000 students on waiting lists for childcare vouchers, immigrant and working-class parents often have to make the difficult decision between sending their children to daycare so they can get to their job or putting food on the table. No family should ever be put in that position. Mayor Mamdani has taken seriously the concerns of our community, and we applaud his administration’s efforts to cut down the waiting list. We look forward to continuing to work with him to make universal childcare a reality in New York City,” said Julissa Bisono, Director of Base Building, Make the Road NY.

“Las Doñas applauds Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his administration for taking a major step toward reducing the child care waiting list—a priority that parents, providers, and advocates have organized around for years. This progress brings New York City closer to the promise of truly universal child care and reflects the power of families and providers who have continued to demand change. But universal child care must also mean investing in the providers who make the system possible. Las Doñas will continue to collaborate, advocate, and organize until every family has access to affordable, quality child care and every provider receives the fair wages, dignity, and respect they deserve,” said Tony Alarcon, Executive Director, Las Doñas.

“We are overjoyed to hear that in the coming days, the families of more than 10,000 New York City children will be receiving the life-changing news that they will receive a child care assistance voucher. For these families, this will mean the end of months of juggling bills, work shifts, and care arrangements; months of stress, sleepless nights and worry.  And for the child care providers who supported these families as best they could during these months of uncertainty, they too can breathe a sigh of relief,” said Dede Hill, Vice President of Policy, Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy. “Today we thank Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul for their historic leadership on child care, and celebrate this exciting news; tomorrow we will redouble our efforts to ensure State and City leaders deliver child care assistance to the tens of thousands of additional families in New York City and around the state still waiting for relief.”

"The Empire State Campaign for Child Care has been advocating for clearing the growing Child Care Assistance Program waitlist since February 2025. We commend Mayor Mamdani and the Mayor's Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education for taking this significant step to alleviate the struggle for so many of New York City's children and families, and the educators who care for them. To deliver universal child care in the city and across the state, clearing this waitlist must remain a top priority for elected officials. We will continue to advocate for sustained investments in the Child Care Assistance Program in every region of New York," said Shoshana Hershkowitz, Campaign Manager for the Empire State Campaign for Child Care.

"Providers and parents have been rallying to demand that City and State officials clear the CCAP waitlist for over a year, since before Mayor Mamdani took office. Today, we can pause to celebrate that our organizing has made a difference for thousands of NYC families and providers. At the same time, we are excited to stand with the Mayor and allies across the City to make our case together: Governor Hochul must fully fund CCAP. Full funding means budgeting for the true cost of providing child care -- including the cost of thriving wages and benefits for the entire workforce -- while guaranteeing care for every eligible family. Our coalition recognizes the important step the Mayor is taking today and the meaningful strides this administration has made to take providers' voices seriously. Now, we look forward to advocating together to finish the job in the upcoming budget season," said Ben Parisi, Director of Strategic Campaign Initiatives at The Action Lab and a coordinator of the Providers Organized for Power coalition.

“Child care costs are crippling families in New York. Parents struggling to make ends meet shouldn’t have to shell out the equivalent of a mortgage for child care.While no family should have to jump through hoops just to access an essential public good, today’s announcement will bring much needed relief to so many families, and it's welcome news as we build toward the universal child care program that Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani are committed to developing,” said Rebecca Bailin, Executive Director, New Yorkers United for Child Care.

“Moving families off the child care voucher waitlist means relief for thousands of New Yorkers, who can now access the care they qualify for. Child care programs in every borough, especially family child care providers, have been holding seats for these families. They can fill those seats and keep their doors open. More parents can go to work. Most importantly, our youngest children will have access to steady, quality early learning. This is a giant step toward Universal Child Care, and we applaud the Mamdani administration for making it happen,” said Jaime-Jin Lewis, Founder and CEO, Wiggle Room.

Source: NYC Mayor's Office