New York City’s Democratic mayoral candidates have unveiled a range of proposals to address the escalating costs of child care and support families with young children. From free child care for 2-year-olds to universal after-school programs, each candidate offers a unique approach to this critical issue.
Brad Lander: Free Child Care for Every 2-Year-Old
Brad Lander promises free child care for every 2-year-old and plans to provide a preschool seat for every 3-year-old and 4-year-old. He aims to create 16,000 new seats for 3-year-olds and develop a comprehensive ‘2-K for All’ program.
Zellnor Myrie: Universal After-School Program
Zellnor Myrie advocates for launching a universal after-school program and full-day preschool for 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds. His funding sources include savings from decreased city spending on migrant funding.
Scott Stringer: Extending the School Day
Scott Stringer proposes extending the school day to 4:30 p.m. and introducing a cost-sharing program for child care expenses between the city, employers, and families.
State Sen. Jessica Ramos, Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, and Others
Other candidates like Jessica Ramos and Zohran Mamdani prioritize expanding child care to earlier ages and increasing salaries for child care workers. Their plans involve funding through taxes on high-payroll companies and wealthy individuals.
These proposals come at a time when the demand for child care in New York City is at an all-time high, with tens of thousands of preschool seats projected to remain empty next year. Advocates believe that universal child care not only benefits families but also has significant economic advantages for the city.
As the Democratic primary approaches, the debate over child care policies will undoubtedly shape the political landscape of the city and influence voters’ decisions. Stay informed about each candidate’s stance on child care to make an educated choice in the upcoming election.
