"Mamdani first announced his 2K initiative alongside Gov. Kathy Hochul in early January, pledging to provide free childcare to two-year-olds, regardless of zip code, income or family immigration status. The program will launch with 2,000 free seats this fall and is expected to expand to full universality within four years."
"School districts included in the initial rollout had been identified due to economic needs and child care gaps, City Hall said Tuesday. Mamdani announced Tuesday that School District 27, which includes parts of Ozone Park, South Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Woodhaven, Howard Beach and Rockaways, would be included in the first phase of the rollout."
"Hochul has allocated $73 million to fund the first phase of the rollout and a further $425 million to fund the expansion of the program next year, when the city is expected to offer 12,000 free seats. However, Hochul is yet to announce a plan to fund the program in following years, when the number of free seats is slated to rise to 55,000."
Mayor Zohran Mamdani celebrated the Holi festival while announcing the first phase of the 2K initiative, which provides free childcare to two-year-olds regardless of zip code, income, or immigration status. School District 27, encompassing South Richmond Hill and surrounding neighborhoods, was selected for the initial rollout based on economic needs and childcare gaps. The program launches with 2,000 free seats this fall, expanding to 12,000 seats next year and 55,000 seats within four years. Governor Kathy Hochul allocated $73 million for the first phase and $425 million for next year's expansion. Mamdani expressed confidence in securing future funding, though Hochul has not yet announced financing plans for subsequent years.
#free-childcare-initiative #2k-program-rollout #early-childhood-education #government-funding #south-richmond-hill
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