Governor Kathy Hochul says New York is moving significantly closer to universal childcare under a sweeping proposal included in the upcoming state budget that would dramatically expand funding for early childhood education and childcare programs statewide.
The governor announced Monday that her administration is proposing a $1.7 billion increase in childcare and pre-kindergarten funding, bringing the state’s total investment in those programs to approximately $4.5 billion.
If approved by the Legislature, the plan would mark one of the largest childcare expansions in New York history and would move the state toward broader universal access to early childhood education services for families with young children.
“I’m proud that we’re making childcare more affordable and accessible across our state, delivering relief for working parents and making New York the best state in the country to raise healthy kids and families,” said Hochul.
The proposal comes as childcare affordability continues to strain families across New York. Daycare costs in many communities rival housing payments and limited childcare availability has increasingly become both an economic and workforce issue.
Under Hochul’s plan, the state would aim to provide universal pre-kindergarten access for all 4-year-olds statewide by the start of the 2028-2029 school year.
The budget proposal would also dedicate funding specifically targeted at New York City, including support for expanding universal 3K programs and implementing what officials described as the “2-Care” program.
In addition to direct childcare expansion, the proposal would also increase the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit available to families statewide.
According to the governor’s office, families eligible for the credit would see an average increase of approximately $576 to help offset childcare-related expenses.
Another major component of the proposal involves development of a new statewide initiative known as the “First 3” program.
The program is designed to work alongside counties throughout New York to provide childcare services for children age 3 and younger regardless of household income—potentially creating one of the broadest publicly supported childcare systems in the country.
The administration argues the proposal would not only help families financially but also improve workforce participation by making it easier for parents to remain employed while raising young children.
Supporters in Albany and across the state say that the lack of affordable childcare has become both a family and labor force issue, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic when many childcare providers permanently closed.
State officials say the broader plan is intended to create a more centralized and coordinated childcare system throughout New York.
To help oversee implementation, Hochul’s proposal would establish a new Office of Child Care and Early Education.
The office would be tasked with coordinating childcare expansion efforts and working with local governments as programs roll out over the coming years.
The proposal still requires approval from the Democratic-controlled State Legislature as budget negotiations continue in Albany.
If enacted, New York would join a growing number of states aggressively expanding publicly funded childcare and early education programs amid rising costs facing working families nationwide.
