Daily, my household gathers across the kitchen desk to listen to the climate report. Not from a TV meteorologist, however from my son – a Pre-Ok scholar who has turn into our resident skilled on chilly fronts and cloud cowl. That small ritual is made doable by New York Metropolis’s Common Pre-Ok program. In his classroom, my son is not solely studying tips on how to predict the climate or acknowledge his first phrases on a web page. He’s studying tips on how to be in neighborhood – how to collaborate with youngsters who come from totally different neighborhoods, totally different languages, totally different walks of life. He’s studying that this metropolis belongs to all of us.
And whereas he grows, my husband and I go to work with peace of thoughts. We all know he is secure. We all know he’s nurtured. We all know he’s surrounded by educators who see his brilliance and helps it shine. That peace of thoughts shouldn’t be a luxurious. It ought to be a assure.
For too many households throughout New York Metropolis, the price of baby care has meant inconceivable selections: tackle crushing debt, go away the workforce and lose a paycheck you can’t afford to lose, or go away town you love seeking someplace extra inexpensive. That is what an affordability disaster seems like. And that is why Mayor Mamdani has made common childcare central to his administration’s work. After only one week in workplace, the Mayor introduced the launch of common 2-Ok – free day look after each two-year-old in all 5 boroughs, no matter their dad and mom’ revenue. This September, 2,000 seats might be accessible, and over the subsequent 4 years, we’ll increase 2-Ok to achieve households in each neighborhood.
Whereas these first 2-Ok seats will be introduced later this spring, there may be a possibility accessible proper now. Enrollment for 3-Ok and Pre-Ok is open via February 27, 2026.
I share this not solely because the chief of the Mayor’s Workplace of Youngster Care and Early Childhood Schooling, however as a proud Pre-Ok dad or mum in Brooklyn. These applications are fully free. They’re full-day. They’re high-quality. They’re open to each household — irrespective of your zip code or immigration standing. Each household deserves what my household has: a classroom full of caring adults, enriching actions, and the house for a kid’s curiosity and love of studying to bloom.
You probably have a toddler turning three or 4 at any level in 2026, apply without spending a dime 3-Ok or Pre-Ok earlier than February 27. And if you recognize a dad or mum – a neighbor, a member of the family, a good friend – with a three- or four-year-old, inform them that this metropolis is able to help them. Listed here are three straightforward methods to use:
· Go to myschools.nyc
· Name 718-935-2009
· Go to colleges.nyc.gov/enrollment to search out one in every of our 10 Household Welcome Facilities throughout the 5 boroughs and for in-person help
That is what it means to construct a metropolis all households can afford – and a metropolis the place each baby, in each borough, has the prospect to thrive.
