NYC will open applications June 2 for its first 2-K program, providing free childcare for two-year-olds in five school districts, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced Thursday alongside Bronx rapper Cardi B.
Families can apply for 2-K seats in school districts 6, 10, 18, 23 and 27 from June 2 through June 26, with offers released in August. The program launches this fall with 2,000 free seats and will expand to universal access within four years.
“For too long, families have been forced to choose between affordable care and staying in the city they love. Now, they can have both—free care in the greatest city in the world,” Mayor Mamdani said in a press release.
The program provides free childcare regardless of ZIP code, income or immigration status. NYC Public Schools will announce final provider locations in the coming weeks.
“Child care is very important. Sometimes us women can’t really go forward because we don’t have nobody to help us take care of our kids,” Cardi B said in a video announcement with the mayor.
Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels called the launch “an important milestone for early childhood education in New York City,” noting that expanding access for two-year-olds “helps children build strong foundations for language, social development, and learning.”
To promote the program, the city launched a jingle competition inviting New Yorkers to submit 15 or 30-second songs encouraging families to apply. A panel of judges will review submissions before New Yorkers vote for a winner. The winning entry will become the official 2-K theme and play on radio.
Jingle submissions are due Friday, April 17 at nyc.gov/jingle. Participants should share submissions using #NYC2KJingle.
The 2-K program was announced last month as the city’s response to urgent demand for accessible childcare for two-year-olds.
Featured image: NYC Mayor's Office (announcement video)
