The city has made the first group of sites for its new 2-K program available for families to review ahead of the formal application period. More than 550 options—ranging from family child care homes to licensed centers—are now listed on MySchools, giving parents a chance to explore choices in their neighborhoods before applications open on June 2.

This initial posting is an early step in a broader plan to expand affordable early childhood care across the five boroughs. The pilot will serve 2,000 two-year-olds this fall with most seats scheduled as full-day, full-year placements. Future phases will scale up to reach many more toddlers over time.

What is included in the first provider list

The first wave features more than 550 participating sites located in both home-based and center-based settings across school districts 6, 10, 18, 23, and 27. The city says it will add additional providers in the days following the initial release, so families should check MySchools.NYC frequently for updates.

Most programs in this rollout are slated to operate eight or 10 hours per day and to remain open throughout the year. That structure differs from many existing early childhood programs for older children, which commonly end mid-afternoon and close during the summer months. The full-day, full-year model is intended to better support working parents who need reliable, consistent care.

How families can apply and what to expect

Families looking to secure a spot should plan to submit applications online through MySchools.NYC beginning on June 2. The application window closes on June 26, and offers are scheduled to be issued in August. In addition to the website, applicants can contact the city’s dedicated phone line at 718-935-2009 or visit a Family Welcome Center for in-person assistance.

Seats on Staten Island are not part of this initial distribution and are expected to be added in a later phase. The city has also made clear that eligibility for 2-K does not depend on ZIP code, income, or immigration status; the program is designed to be universally accessible for two-year-olds in the participating districts under this next step of expansion.

Timeline and program scale-up

The first 2,000 free seats will be available this fall. City officials say the initial phase is funded for the first two years by the state, and the effort will grow to serve up to 12,000 toddlers by 2027. Earlier administrative milestones included a request for information to recruit more providers and a public campaign to clarify that most seats will be full-day, full-year.

Community outreach and engagement efforts

To raise awareness, the administration has paired program announcements with public-facing events and promotions. One such event is a family-friendly run called 2K for 2-K, a free registration event that includes a 2-kilometer walk/run and youth dashes designed to connect families with information about the program. The run is scheduled for June 7 at Fort Tryon Park, and registration is handled through the New York Road Runners platform.

There has also been a lighthearted outreach element: a public jingle contest launched with high-profile partners intended to draw attention to the initiative. Voters are being asked to help select a winning jingle, a promotional tactic the city hopes will boost awareness among parents and caregivers in the initial communities.

Voices from city leaders and local officials

City and state leaders have framed the program as a response to the high cost of child care. Officials emphasize that the 2-K initiative aims to reduce financial pressure on families and give working parents greater stability. Local elected officials and education leaders have highlighted provider vetting and community outreach as important parts of the launch, congratulating those chosen to participate in the first wave of sites.

What families should do next

Parents interested in applying should start by visiting MySchools.NYC to locate nearby providers included in this release and to assess the program models offered at each site. Because additional providers will be added, families are advised to check the site often. Prepare required information ahead of the opening on June 2 and plan to submit applications before the closing date on June 26 to maximize chances of receiving an offer in August.

For hands-on help, families can call the city hotline or visit a Family Welcome Center to discuss enrollment steps, ask questions about program hours, and learn about the differences between home-based and center-based care. The 2-K program is being rolled out as a phased effort; this first list represents the initial, actionable set of choices for families about to participate in the city’s expanded early childhood care system.