NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) – Applications will open in June for the city’s first free 2-K child care program, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced with an unlikely partner Friday.

Applications for the first 2,000 children will open on June 2 and close on June 26, Mamdani announced with Bronx-native Cardi B. Only families in the following districts can apply:  6, 10, 18, 23 and 27. Then, offers will be sent out in August.

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“This is an important step as we continue building a stronger, more connected birth-to-five early childhood system for New York City families,” Chancellor Kamar Samuels said.

It’s the city’s first attempt a free child care for 2-year-olds, part of Mamdani’s “child care for all” agenda. Gov. Kathy Hochul said the state will pay for the first two years of the program, with 2,000 kids participating the first year and 12,000 the second.

Mamdani’s goal is to reach universal 2-K by the end of his first term, but it’s unclear who will foot the bill after the first two years.

Advocates with New Yorkers United for Child Care told PIX11 News parents’ overwhelming concern is location – they need a seat for their children at 2-K centers very close to home. Parents are also looking for full-day child care, versus normal school hours.

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Cardi B, who filmed an announcement video with Mamdani, said it’s a huge win for New York City parents.

“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,” she said.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

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