Overview
- The program begins this September for 2-year-olds and is slated to be fully phased in by the 2029–30 school year.
- Hochul pledged to fully fund the first two years and said no new taxes are required this year, though officials did not disclose the source of the existing revenue.
- City Hall will target high‑needs areas first before expanding access citywide by year four, with state support also directed to New York City’s universal 3‑K and a $1.2 billion boost to child care subsidies for low‑income families.
- A new state Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education will oversee the expansion and guide implementation.
- Long‑term costs remain a sticking point, with estimates of about $6 billion annually for a citywide universal system and roughly $15 billion statewide, ongoing debate over tax options, and added risk from a federal freeze affecting about $1.1 billion for the city’s child care system.