Applications for the city’s first 2-K program will open June 2 and run through June 26, marking a major step toward universal, free child care for two-year-olds.
In Brooklyn, families in school districts 18 and 23, which covers Canarsie, Remsen Village, Brownsville and Ocean Hill, can apply to the coveted spots, with offers released in August.
Making the announcement on Friday with musician Cardi B, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the first round will offer 2,000 total seats, with the program expanding in four years.
“As Cardi B says: 'I can get ’em both. I don’t wanna choose.' With universal child care, New Yorkers won’t have to,” Mamdani said in a statement. “For too long, families have been forced to choose between affordable care and staying in the city they love. Now, they can have both—free care in the greatest city in the world.”
To build momentum ahead of the application opening, the administration is launching a citywide 2-K application jingle competition, inviting New Yorkers to submit original 15 or 30-second jingles encouraging families to apply. A panel of special guest judges will review submissions before New Yorkers vote to select a winner. The winning entry will become the official 2-K theme for New York City and play on the radio.
Submissions to the 2-K jingle contest can be made at nyc.gov/jingle. Submissions must be received by Friday, April 17.
