Free 2-K applications open next week in NYC. Here is the first group of providers.

More than 550 preschool sites in homes and centers are listed for the first group of 2-year-olds entering the city’s free 2-K program in September. Parents can review locations before applications open on June 2. The program aims to expand universal childcare, offering free care for 2,000 toddlers this fall, funded for the first two years by Gov. Kathy Hochul, and expanding to 12,000 toddlers in 2027. Most programs are expected to operate eight or 10 hours and run year-round. Families can apply through MySchools, call 718-935-2009, or visit a Family Welcome Center, with offers sent in August.

"The Mamdani administration has announced which preschool providers will welcome the inaugural group of 2-year-olds for the city's free 2-K program in September. Parents are now able to review the first group of more than 550 sites - based in homes and centers - days before the application window officially opens on Tuesday. Additional sites will be added in the coming days, city officials said."

"This fall, the city will offer 2,000 2-year-olds free care, with most programs operating the full working day and year round. Gov. Kathy Hochul is funding the first two years of the effort, which will expand to 12,000 toddlers in 2027. "The cost of childcare has become a crushing burden that pushes families out of our city and stops working people from getting ahead," Mamdani said in a statement."

""2-K is about giving every child the strongest possible start while giving parents the freedom and stability they deserve. As applications open, we encourage every family in these first communities to explore their options, apply through MySchools and take advantage of this historic investment in New York families." Families interested in signing up for 2-K can check available locations in their neighborhoods on myschools.nyc."

"Most programs are expected to run eight or 10 hours, and for the full year, which will be a relief to working parents. That's unlike the city's existing free preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds, which usually end by 3 p.m. and don't open for the summer months. The application period will run from June 2 through 26, and offers will go out in August."

Read at Gothamist