Felder Says: The Clock Is Ticking on Free 2-K; 10,000 New Free Seats Are Coming & Providers Have Days to Apply.

New York City is poised to add 10,000 free childcare seats for two-year-olds with its’ expansion of Free 2-K, which is open to NYC children born in 2025 for the 2027 school year. Councilman Simcha Felder wants to make sure Boro Park and Flatbush get their fair share. Each seat has a premium value, expected to save hardworking families on average $26,000 a year in childcare expenses. School Districts 20 and 21, which include Boro Park, Midwood, Bensonhurst and Kensington, are on the City's priority list, and eligible providers located anywhere in the city may apply to fill them.

“Ask any parent what their biggest source of stress is, and affordable childcare is right at the top of the list. How many grateful parents and grandparents will soon breathe a sigh of relief knowing their children will have a strong educational foundation without the hefty bill," said Councilman Simcha Felder, "but that's only possible if providers respond in time."

To express interest in participating, childcare providers who do not currently hold a DOE early childhood education contract must submit a Request for Information (RFI) to NYC Public Schools by Thursday, November 12, at 5 PM. The RFI is open to Article 47 childcare centers and group family day care (GFDC) programs. Current DOE contracted providers were issued a survey earlier, with a submission deadline of Monday, November 9 at 5 PM.

"We have some of the most devoted childcare providers in the city—the exact people we want to help raise the next generation of children. I urge all interested childcare providers to fill out the RFI immediately. I also encourage you to join Deputy Chancellor Erica Phillips when the Early Childhood Education Listening Tour comes to Brooklyn. It is an opportunity to discuss what is and isn’t working and bring your perspective right to the top," said Councilman Felder.

The RFI and submission form are available at infohub.nyced.org, and questions can be sent to ECEExpansion@schools.nyc.gov. Families can learn more about Free 2-K, at www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/2-k.

"When we invest in children, everybody wins,” concluded Councilman Felder.