Rapper Cardi B is teaming up with Mayor Zohran Mamdani as the city moves closer to launching its universal free child care program for toddlers.<\/p>\n
Applications for the city\u2019s first 2-K program are set to open this summer, Mamdani said Friday. Families will be able to apply for the program from June 2 through June 26.<\/p>\n
What You Need To Know<\/p>\n
Cardi B is teaming up with Mayor Zohran Mamdani as the city moves closer to launching its universal free child care program for toddlers
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The program launches this fall with 2,000 free seats in five school districts, with plans to expand citywide
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A citywide jingle contest is underway, with submissions due April 17 and Cardi B joining the panel of judges
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The program is designed to provide free child care for 2-year-olds regardless of income, ZIP code or immigration status<\/p>\n
City officials are also launching a citywide contest inviting New Yorkers to create a 15- or 30-second jingle encouraging families to apply. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges, which includes Cardi B, before a public vote determines the winner, according to City Hall.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs Cardi B says: ‘I can get \u2019em both. I don\u2019t wanna choose.’ With universal child care, New Yorkers won\u2019t have to,\u201d Mamdani said in a video announcement<\/a>. \u201cFor too long, families have been forced to choose between affordable care and staying in the city they love. Now, they can have both\u2014free care in the greatest city in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n The Bronx-born rapper joined the mayor in a video, emphasizing the importance of child care access for working parents.<\/p>\n \u201cChild care is very important. Sometimes us women can\u2019t really go forward because we don\u2019t have nobody to help us take care of our kids,\u201d Cardi B said.<\/p>\n The initial 2-K rollout will offer 2,000 seats this fall in select districts in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. Plans are in place to expand to access within four years.<\/p>\n Offers for the first round of placements are expected to be released in August, according to City Hall.<\/p>\n