NEW YORK (VINnews) — New York City is rolling out free child care for 2-year-olds in 19 neighborhoods across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Tuesday.

The initial program will offer 2,000 seats this year for children turning 2 in 2026, with applications expected to open in early summer. By fall 2027, the city aims to serve 12,000 children, a step toward universal child care for all toddlers in New York.

The first areas to receive 2-K seats include Washington Heights, Inwood, Hamilton Heights, Fordham, Belmont, Van Cortlandt Village, Morris Heights, Norwood, Kingsbridge, Canarsie, Remsen Village, Brownsville, Ocean Hill, Ozone Park, South Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, Howard Beach, and the Rockaways.

Mamdani credited Gov. Kathy Hochul for supporting the program’s first two years of funding and said the initiative addresses economic need, demand, and gaps in access.

“This is just the beginning,” Mamdani said. “Universal child care is within reach — and we’re making it happen.”

Mayor Mamdani Makes a Child Care Announcement with Governor Hochul and Schools Chancellor Samuels https://t.co/ddADSB8djd

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) March 3, 2026