NYC Gazette

Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine has announced a plan to expand childcare access in New York City. The initiative, titled "Closing the 0-2 Gap: Universal Childcare in New York City," seeks to provide affordable, high-quality care for children from six weeks to five years old.

Levine highlighted the pressing need for such a program, stating that many families face prohibitive childcare costs. “Our housing shortage is not the only affordability crisis facing New Yorkers,” said Levine. He noted that 80% of families find these costs unreasonably high, affecting their ability to remain in the city.

The report shows over 441,000 children under five live in New York City, with many families spending a significant portion of their income on childcare. Currently, only 24% benefit from public options. Levine emphasized that “high-quality early childcare and education are essential for a child’s development.”

Key components of the plan include expanding Pre-K and 3-K programs to cover younger children and providing direct cash assistance through the NYC Newborn Support Program. The proposal also suggests increased support for childcare providers and establishing a Department of Early Childcare, Education, and Intervention.

The plan builds on advocacy by various groups including New Yorkers United for Childcare and Advocates for Children of New York. According to Levine, this initiative aims at more than just increasing access; it is about investing in children's futures and boosting the city's economy.

“This is not just about expanding access to childcare," added Levine. "It’s about investing in our children, our families, and our city’s economy.”

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