Today, Governor Kathy Hochul made a groundbreaking announcement aimed at delivering affordable, universal child care for children under five years of age across New York State. This initiative is set to revolutionize the child care landscape, ensuring that all families have access to essential services. The Governor will collaborate with Mayor Zohran Mamdani to provide free child care for two-year-olds in New York City, alongside enhancing the existing 3K program to achieve universal care for all families in the city.
In 2026, New York State plans to further expand access to high-quality child care programs statewide, utilizing a variety of models to save families billions of dollars each year. Since taking office, Governor Hochul has already invested over $8 billion in the state’s child care infrastructure, significantly increasing access as part of her commitment to implement universal child care across New York.
“There’s one thing that every family in New York can agree on: the cost of childcare is simply too high,” stated Governor Hochul. “As New York’s first mom Governor, fighting for New York’s families has always been at the core of my agenda. I’m proud to partner with Mayor Mamdani and leaders across our state to transform the lives of working parents and children.”
Mayor Zohran Mamdani echoed the Governor's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of this initiative. “Today, Governor Hochul and I celebrate our joint commitment to universal child care. This victory represents a significant milestone in our efforts to ensure that every New Yorker can afford a life of dignity, and every family can raise their children without financial strain.”
Governor Hochul’s State of the State investments will deliver affordable child care to nearly 100,000 additional children. The proposed $1.7 billion increase will bring the total investment for fiscal year 2027 to $4.5 billion for child care and prekindergarten services statewide.
As part of Governor Hochul’s vision for 2026, several key proposals will be implemented:
Make Pre-K truly universal statewide. Launch the Mayor’s signature 2-Care program in partnership with New York City. Support counties in developing new child care pilots that offer high-quality, affordable care for families, regardless of income. Expand child care subsidies to tens of thousands of additional families.Additionally, a new Office of Child Care and Early Education will be established to guide the implementation of high-quality, universal child care for families throughout New York.
Governor Hochul's administration has already made significant strides in expanding access to affordable child care, including:
More than doubling the number of children served by child care vouchers in the last four years, with a 25% increase in the past year alone. Providing over $8.6 billion for child care, including a significant increase in subsidies. Raising the eligibility criteria for families, allowing more to benefit from these services. Reducing costs for families receiving subsidies, capping payments at $15 per week for most. Increasing reimbursement rates for providers by nearly 50%, ensuring quality care for children.While many four-year-olds in New York have had access to Pre-K, numerous school districts have yet to provide this essential service. Governor Hochul is committed to achieving truly universal Pre-K for all four-year-olds by the start of the 2028-2029 school year, ensuring that every child in New York State is ready for kindergarten.
New York City has already initiated universal Pre-K and 3K programs. Governor Hochul will collaborate with Mayor Mamdani to introduce the 2-Care program, offering free child care for two-year-olds. The first year will focus on high-need areas, expanding to serve all interested families by year four.
Under Governor Hochul's leadership, the state has significantly increased its investment in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), enabling more low-income families to access affordable care. The program now supports 2.5 times more children, with families paying no more than $15 a week for child care.
In 2026, innovative pilot projects will be launched in counties outside of New York City, aiming for universal access to affordable, full-day care for families, irrespective of income. The Governor's plan also includes expanding scholarships and support for the early childhood education workforce.
Governor Hochul will further enhance the child and dependent care tax credit, providing an additional average benefit of $575 for 230,000 tax filers, thereby bolstering support for families in need.
In conclusion, Governor Hochul's comprehensive plan to enhance child care services across New York State is set to transform the lives of countless families, ensuring that quality child care is accessible and affordable for all.