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Mamdani launches NYC's first free childcare centre
The new center will serve approximately 40 children ages 6 weeks to 3 years and offer an evidence-based developmentally appropriate curriculum.
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Tue, 31, Mar 2026
- 01:55 EDT
- 21
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani / Zohran Mamdani via X
New York City Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, announced the City's first free, on-site child care pilot program for City workers on March 30, in a step towards fulfilling one of his key campaign promises, 'free childcare'.
The pilot program, which opened applications after the announcement from Mayor Mamdani, will be offered to Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) employees and all City workers based at the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building at 1 Centre Street.
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"Change begins at home. As we deliver universal child care to New Yorkers, that work must include the public servants who keep this city running," said Mayor Mamdani.
He continued, "We are bringing year-round, no-cost child care right here to Lower Manhattan — not just saving families money, but giving them back hours of their time. No parent should have to spend hours commuting just to ensure their child is safe and cared for."
In pursuit of this project, the city has undertaken a $10 million renovation, constructing a a 4,000-square-foot child care facility, with completion expected this fall.
The new center will serve approximately 40 children ages 6 weeks to 3 years and offer an evidence-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum designed to support early learning, socialization and growth.
The program will operate on the ground floor of the DCAS building's North Tower and provide year-round care Mondays through Fridays from 8 AM to 6 PM.
Announcing the initiative, the administration notified, "By expanding access to free, on-site child care, the City is putting upwards of $20,000 a year back in the pockets of working families. The program is also expected to improve the retention of top talent, boost productivity and strengthen job satisfaction among working parents."
City Comptroller Mark Levine said, “Every family in New York City should have access to affordable, high-quality childcare, and this pilot shows we’re leading by example. We want our municipal workers to have access to this essential service as they work to keep our city moving”.
He continued, “Let’s remember: universal childcare is also an economic opportunity. The cost of childcare forcing families out of the workforce, and the resulting revenue loss, are substantial. By helping families stay in or re-enter the workforce, we strengthen our communities and our economy.”
The city notified that applications are open to parents or legal guardians of children between the ages of 6 weeks and 3 years old.
Mamdani came to power in 2025 after a campaign that revolved around socialistic promises. Among his campaign promises was a rent freeze in rent-stabilized apartments. He also pledged free bus services, a universal free childcare program for children ages 6 months to 5 years, and five city-owned grocery stores — one in each borough.
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