In a significant move for families, New York City is set to introduce a free childcare programme for two-year-old children. The plan will be formally unveiled on Thursday 08 January 2026 by Governor Kathy Hochul and the city's new Mayor, Zohran Mamdani.
A Landmark Partnership for Affordable Care
The two Democratic leaders are scheduled to detail the ambitious programme at a news conference on Thursday morning. Governor Hochul is also expected to pledge her commitment to pursuing a broader, statewide free childcare initiative, signalling a major policy shift.
"There’s one thing that every family in New York can agree on, the cost of childcare is simply too high," Hochul stated. Emphasising her personal stake in the issue, she added, "As New York’s first mom Governor, fighting for New York’s families has always been at the core of my agenda."
Fulfilling a Core Campaign Promise
For Mayor Mamdani, the announcement marks the delivery of a key campaign pledge just days after taking office. His agenda focuses on transforming New York into a more affordable place to live, and this policy is a cornerstone of that vision.
"This victory represents much more than a triumph of city and state government working in partnership — it is proof that when New Yorkers come together, we can transform the way government serves working families," Mamdani said in his statement.
Programme Details and Rollout Plan
According to a statement from the governor's office, Hochul has committed to fully funding the first two years of the city's new free childcare scheme. The programme is described as an expansion of New York City's existing and highly popular universal pre-K system.
The rollout will be phased:
- Year One: The initiative will initially launch in "high-need areas" selected by the city authorities.
- By Year Four: The programme is designed to expand across all five boroughs, offering universal access to free childcare for two-year-olds.
This structured approach aims to ensure the system is implemented effectively before achieving citywide coverage, providing a crucial financial reprieve for parents of toddlers in a famously expensive city.
