Overview
- The rollout begins in high-need neighborhoods in September 2026, serving about 2,000 children in year one and expanding to all interested families by year four.
- The initiative will be included in Hochul’s State of the State and executive budget, requiring approval by the Legislature during the spring budget process.
- State officials say the initial funding will come from existing revenue with no new taxes this year, but financing beyond the two-year commitment remains unresolved.
- Hochul also proposed statewide universal pre-K for all 4-year-olds by the 2028–29 school year, a 40% increase in child care subsidies to roughly $3 billion total, and a new Office of Child Care and Early Education.
- Officials noted operational challenges and risks, including a federal move to freeze billions in child care funds, existing voucher waitlists, workforce capacity, and the need to support home-based providers and children with disabilities.