Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a significant investment aimed at providing universal child care for children under five across New York State. The initiative includes a partnership with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to launch free child care for two-year-olds in the city and to strengthen the existing 3K program, moving toward universal access for all families.
The state plans to continue expanding access to high-quality child care programs through various models, which officials say will save families billions of dollars annually. Since taking office, Governor Hochul has invested more than $8 billion in the state’s child care infrastructure, broadening access as part of her administration’s strategy for universal child care.
“There’s one thing that every family in New York can agree on, the cost of childcare is simply too high,” Governor Hochul said. “As New York’s first mom Governor, fighting for New York’s families has always been at the core of my agenda. Since taking office, I’ve put families front and center, fighting to make our state more affordable and laying the groundwork to deliver universal childcare. Today, I’m proud to partner with Mayor Mamdani and leaders across our state to make this a reality, turning that foundation into a concrete roadmap that will transform the lives of working parents and kids across our state.”
Mayor Mamdani commented on the partnership: “Over the past 14 months, a movement was born to fight for a city where every New Yorker could afford a life of dignity and every family could afford to raise their kids. Today, Governor Hochul and I meet that movement as we celebrate our joint commitment to universal child care. 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 the government serves working families.”
The proposed investments include an additional $1.7 billion dedicated to affordable childcare for nearly 100,000 more children statewide. This would bring total funding for childcare and prekindergarten services in fiscal year 2027 up to $4.5 billion.
Key elements of Governor Hochul’s proposal are making Pre-K universally available statewide; partnering with New York City on the new 2-Care program (free child care for two-year-olds) while ensuring universal 3K access; supporting other counties in piloting new models regardless of income; and expanding subsidies for tens of thousands more families.
A new Office of Child Care and Early Education will be established to oversee these efforts.
Since Hochul took office:
– The number of children served by vouchers has doubled over four years.
– More than $8.6 billion has been provided for child care.
– Eligibility thresholds have increased from 200% of federal poverty level (about $64,000 per year for a family of four) up to 85% of statewide median income (roughly $114,000).
– Subsidy recipients pay no more than $15 per week.
– Provider reimbursement rates have risen by almost 50%.
– Over $150 million has gone toward creating new centers.
“Since taking office, I’ve put families front and center, fighting to make our state more affordable and laying the groundwork to deliver universal childcare. Today, I’m proud to partner with Mayor Mamdani and leaders across our state to make this a reality,” said Governor Kathy Hochul.
To achieve truly universal Pre-K by the start of the 2028–2029 school year, additional funding will be provided both for new seats and increased support per pupil—ensuring districts can offer quality programs statewide.
In addition to initiatives within New York City—including fully funding two years of free two-year-old care—the plan supports pilot projects in other counties aiming at year-round full-day coverage regardless of income.
Child Care Assistance Program investments have also grown substantially under Hochul’s leadership: subsidies now support about 170,000 children with most families paying no more than $15 weekly—2.5 times as many children as before her tenure began.
The plan further includes strengthening workforce development through scholarships and grants via SUNY/CUNY systems; expanding tax credits related to dependent care; and reviewing employer incentives connected with employee child care needs.
