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New York City Council
Oversight - 2k in New York City
Read summaries and jump into the video at the segment start.
Council Staff welcomes attendees, asks phones to be silenced, instructs those wishing to speak to fill out appearance cards, and states that no one should approach the desk. The Chair is then invited to begin.
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez introduces herself as Chair of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood Education and welcomes everyone to the hearing on 2K in New York City.
Gutiérrez notes that Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani announced free child care for two-year-olds through 2K, with 2,000 children already enrolled. She highlights that 5,700 families applied, demonstrating urgent need.
Gutiérrez states that universal 2K cannot be achieved overnight and points to longstanding issues: pay inequities between community-based and public school educators, rising operating costs, and the need for dignified wages.
Gutiérrez emphasizes that providers need reliable, on-time payments from the city, and that payment systems must be transparent and accessible so providers don't have to take out loans.
Gutiérrez argues that expanding 2K must include pathways for home-based providers, noting that only those in family child care networks can currently participate in DOE contracted care.
Gutiérrez states the hearing will examine lessons from 2K's first year and plans to address systemic issues. She thanks subcommittee members, staff, and testifiers.
Gutiérrez reminds witnesses to fill out witness slips, notes no legislation is being voted on, limits testimony to two minutes, and asks colleagues to keep questions to five minutes. She then turns it over to counsel for the oath.
Subcommittee counsel administers the affirmation to mayoral administration witnesses, asking them to affirm to tell the truth and respond honestly to council member questions.
Emmy Liss, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education, introduces herself and her colleagues from NYC Public Schools, thanking the committee for the opportunity to testify on 2K.
Liss describes Mayor Mamdani's vision for universal child care and the $1.2 billion state commitment, including $73 million for 2K's first year and $425 million for the second year to expand to 12,000 seats.
Liss explains that 90% of brain development occurs before age 5, parents spend an average of $26,000 on child care, and 2K will help families stay in the city and boost the local economy.
Liss says 2K expanded geographically to meet full demand, selecting districts based on economic need, existing provider capacity, and geographic spread. She lists the five districts chosen for fall 2026.
Liss notes that 2K is offered in community-based centers and family child care programs, not public schools. The default model is full day, full year, with some school-day options.
Liss describes the all-of-government outreach effort, including advertising and a jingle contest. Over 5,700 applications were received for 2,000 seats; 99% of families received an offer to a listed program, 59% to their top choice.
Liss notes that 2,002 two-year-olds started 2K on September 10th and that the city will take valuable lessons from year one as it expands.
Erica Phillips, Deputy Chancellor for Early Childhood Education, introduces herself and thanks the committee for the opportunity to testify on 2K implementation.
Phillips describes her personal connection as the daughter and granddaughter of early educators, and her 20+ years of experience, including at the National Association for Family Child Care and All Our Kin.
Phillips explains that two-year-olds learn through play, exploration, and routines, and that 2K provides affordable, high-quality care that supports their development while giving families reliable care.
Phillips explains that NYC's mixed delivery system builds on existing community-based and family child care capacity. About 60% of 2K seats are in home-based settings through family child care networks.
Phillips acknowledges that contracting and payment delays created challenges for providers. The city provided interest-free bridge financing and is working to register all contracts and make payments.
Phillips says NYC Public Schools is hiring 200 additional employees across early childhood and other offices to support expansion, including instructional coaches, social workers, and contracting analysts.
Phillips emphasizes that timely funding, clear communication, and operational support are critical for provider sustainability. She has begun visiting programs and speaking directly with providers.
Phillips states that expanding from 2,000 to 12,000 seats requires matching quality, capacity, and infrastructure. She looks forward to working with providers, families, and the council.
Chair Gutiérrez thanks the witnesses and begins questioning, starting with the application process and demand.
Gutiérrez asks how many applications came after the main round. Liss explains all 5,700 were received in June, and hundreds more have joined waitlists since, with a rolling waitlist process.
Gutiérrez asks for distribution of applications by neighborhood. Liss says they don't have that data today but will share it with the council in the future.
Gutiérrez asks if there's a correlation between 2K and 3K applications. Liss says they are still looking at patterns, noting highest application rates are for pre-K, then 3K, then 2K.
Gutiérrez asks how many students are currently enrolled and expected by year-end. Liss says over 2,000 are enrolled, with data to be released in November. She explains age eligibility rules for center-based vs. family child care.
Gutiérrez asks how many emergent multilingual children are enrolled and what languages are available. Liss says data isn't finalized, but many home-based providers serve languages other than English, especially Spanish.
Gutiérrez asks about priority levels, such as siblings. Liss explains families are sorted into priority groups based on continuing student status, sibling enrollment, and district residency.
Gutiérrez asks what percent of families received their first choice. Liss says 59% received their top choice, 83% received one of their top three, and 99% received a program on their application.
Gutiérrez asks how many 2K seats are extended day vs school day. Liss says the majority are extended day and year, with final numbers to come with enrollment figures.
Gutiérrez asks about the total budget for 2K. Liss says FY27 budget is $73 million from the state, and FY28 is projected at $425 million to serve 12,000 children.
Gutiérrez asks how provider costs are determined. Liss explains providers receive a cost per child based on program operating costs, with four flat rates for center-based and family child care, extended day vs school day.
Gutiérrez asks how rates were communicated and if providers feel it's fair. Liss explains providers were awarded seats and rates, and teams work with them on budgets and invoicing.
Gutiérrez asks for the specific flat rates for home-based extended day and school day. Liss says she doesn't have them on hand but will provide them.
Brewer thanks Phillips for answering emails and asks about a Robin Hood-funded training event she attended. She asks about goals for the program and how achievement will be measured.
Phillips describes professional development partnerships with Robin Hood and Bank Street, and the use of Teaching Strategies Gold for authentic assessment. She notes qualifications for staff working with two-year-olds.
Brewer asks if children can continue to 3K in the same program and whether future expansion will include public school spaces. Liss says continuity priority exists if program offers 3K, and 2K will remain in community-based settings.
Brewer asks what the 200 new employees will do. Phillips says they include field staff, instructional coaches, social workers, inclusion specialists, and contracting analysts to speed payments.
Brewer asks if the $425 million is state or city money. Liss says it is state money for the program, while the city funds infrastructure like the 228 new staff through its budget.
Riley thanks the witnesses and asks how many of the 200 additional employees are dedicated to 2K vs. contracting and payments. Phillips says more are on instructional side, with a smaller but significant investment in operations and finance.
Riley asks if there are enough qualified family child care providers and CBOs to support expansion from 2,000 to 12,000. Phillips says they are working with networks and feel confident there is capacity.
Riley asks what gives confidence that systems can handle a six-fold increase given current contracting and payment challenges. Liss acknowledges delays are unacceptable and cites procurement reform and additional staff.
Riley asks about the thought process for not having 2K in traditional school settings. Liss explains community-based centers and family child care are better suited for two-year-olds, and the city is honoring that expertise.
Santosuosso asks if future 2K seats will remain full day, full year. Liss says full day, full year is the default, with options for school day based on community need.
Santosuosso asks if the plan is to make 2K available to all two-year-olds after next year. Phillips says they have stated 12,000 for next year and are setting targets toward universal access by 2029.
Santosuosso asks when the next expansion neighborhoods will be announced. Liss says very soon, and the council will be briefed before public announcement.
Santosuosso asks how waitlists will roll into next year's applications. Liss explains program-specific waitlists remain open year-round, and children eligible for 2K this year will be eligible for 3K next year.
Santosuosso asks about the mix of single-location vs multi-location providers and how many were existing vs new. Liss says they have a diverse mix, with majority previously contracting for 3K and pre-K.
Santosuosso asks why Staten Island was not included this year. Liss explains limited seats and the need for sufficient provider readiness, and notes they added 3K seats on Staten Island and plan to bring 2K next year.
Santosuosso raises concerns about DOH permitting delays holding up payments. Liss acknowledges the issue and says the Mayor's Office of Child Care is coordinating across agencies and monitoring DOH capacity.
Joseph asks how the administration is approaching workforce development and expansion. Liss says they are taking a multi-pronged approach, including apprenticeships with CUNY and supporting incumbent educators.
Joseph asks about plans to address pay inequities. Liss acknowledges wage equity is a priority and a longstanding problem they must address head-on.
Joseph asks how the administration is coordinating with students with special needs in 2K. Phillips explains training with EI, inclusion specialists, and family surveys to capture home language and needs.
Phillips says every program received training on EI referrals, and inclusion specialists are available to support teachers and families. She notes no specific requests for children have been received yet.
Joseph asks if parents know about available supports and if HILS forms are available to providers. Phillips says family surveys collect home language and other information during enrollment.
Joseph asks about CUNY's role in workforce development. Liss describes active conversations with CUNY, efforts to make coursework affordable and accessible, and expanded apprenticeships.
Joseph asks about 2K for students in shelters and foster care. Liss says they partnered with agency partners during outreach and will continue building those partnerships as they expand.
Felder thanks Phillips and Liss for answering emails and responding to council members, noting it's a welcome change from past administrations.
Gutiérrez asks how many 2K children are in temporary housing. Phillips says that data will be available with enrollment numbers later.
Gutiérrez asks about transportation challenges and OmniCards for 2K families. Phillips says they work with the transportation division for children with IEPs and prioritize unhoused families.
Gutiérrez asks if any providers rescinded contracts. Liss says some initially expressed interest but decided not to participate due to the short turnaround, and they hope to work with them in the future.
Gutiérrez asks about additional 2K seats beyond the initial 2,000. Liss explains they added seats, including converting formerly means-tested seats to free, with no additional budget needed.
Gutiérrez asks about the decision to use a centralized enrollment process. Liss says it's built on the MySchools system used for 3K and pre-K, allowing families to apply to multiple programs in one place.
Gutiérrez notes provider and parent interest in on-site enrollment. Liss says programs can help families complete applications, and they will gather feedback on enrollment processes for future decisions.
Gutiérrez asks about enrollment challenges. Liss notes families express interest after applications close, and 2K waitlists are open year-round unlike other grades.
Gutiérrez raises concerns that only network-affiliated home-based providers can participate, leaving out independent providers. She asks how the administration plans to include them.
Phillips emphasizes the importance of family child care and networks as support systems. She says networks should not charge providers and they are working to ramp up support and flexibility.
Gutiérrez asks about the number of contracted networks and support provided. Phillips says there are over 40 networks and support includes professional development, policy clarification, and budget assistance.
Gutiérrez asks how seats were allocated among districts and about Staten Island expansion. Liss explains allocation based on demand and capacity, and Staten Island will be included in 2027 expansion.
Gutiérrez asks how networks are funded if they don't charge providers. Phillips says the city provides funding for network administrative costs and child care costs.
Gutiérrez asks about 2K seats per provider and extended day options. Liss says it's a mix of existing and new providers, and extended day is available for many 2K seats.
Gutiérrez raises concern that families with extended day 2K may not have extended day 3K. Liss acknowledges the issue and says they will continue to look at it as they grow the program.
Joseph asks if CUNY was considered for the parent survey. Liss explains the survey was funded by Robin Hood and administered by NORC, and they will look to a variety of research partners in the future.
Joseph asks how the agency assesses the system as a whole before expanding. Liss says they are balancing urgency with addressing real challenges, and are engaging providers to inform expansion.
Joseph asks for a breakdown of vacancies and hiring turnaround. Phillips says they can share that information and are actively hiring to address payment issues.
Gutiérrez asks how the administration defines high quality 2K programming. Phillips describes a holistic approach including educator qualifications, Teaching Strategies Gold assessments, and developmental screenings.
Gutiérrez asks if professional development was provided for 2K providers. Phillips confirms it was included in the budget, with additional support from Robin Hood.
Gutiérrez asks about contract rates for family child care providers. Liss confirms the rates include provider payment and network costs, with a standard rate for providers.
Gutiérrez asks about the vacancy rate in the early childhood division. Phillips says there are 228 positions being hired for and will share specific vacancy rates as follow-up.
Gutiérrez asks if staff moved to contract registration are still working on it. Liss says temporary staff returned to home agencies, but NYCPS staff remain focused on registering contracts and payments.
Gutiérrez asks about headcount. Phillips says ECE has 590 staff as of October 4th, and the 228 positions are across NYCPS. Liss says the Mayor's Office has a team of 12, fully staffed.
Gutiérrez asks about the apprenticeship pipeline and expected outcomes. Liss says the expansion will provide more educators, but it's one of multiple levers, and they will brief the subcommittee on future plans.
Gutiérrez asks about recruitment efforts. Liss says they are working on a workforce recruitment strategy and will share more in coming weeks, including hiring fairs and resume collection.
Gutiérrez asks about communication with current 2K providers. Phillips says providers received visits from social workers and instructional coordinators, and they welcome site visits from council members.
Gutiérrez asks about city-funded formerly Early Head Start seats and eligibility. Liss says data can be provided, and city transitional seats prioritize low-income families without specific restrictions.
Gutiérrez asks how the administration balances different provider types, including larger franchise models. Liss says they value a diverse mix and want to create on-ramps for all providers.
Gutiérrez asks what feedback they are hearing from providers for the next RFP. Phillips says they hear about compensation, rate flexibility, continuity of care, and family child care support.
Gutiérrez asks for clarification on headcount and vacancy rate. Phillips clarifies the 590 is ECE staff, and the 228 positions are across NYCPS, with more details to follow.
Gutiérrez thanks the administration for their answers and looks forward to the November report and site visits. She then prepares to open public testimony.
Gutiérrez opens the hearing for public testimony, reminding attendees of decorum rules, the two-minute limit, and how to submit written testimony.
Gutiérrez calls up the first panel of public witnesses: Allison Liu, Kaylee Iyer, Nora Moran, Karen Rogan, Tara Gardner, and Robert Cordero.
Kaylee Iyer, a parent leader with New Yorkers United for Child Care, shares her family's struggle with child care costs, expecting to spend over $12,000 for two days a week. She describes the patchwork solution and hopes 2K will provide relief.
Allison Liu, senior organizer with New Yorkers United for Child Care, shares stories of families struggling with child care costs, including one who could afford a second child after 2K. She urges expansion and fair wages for workers.
Nora Moran, Director of Policy at United Neighborhood Houses, supports 2K expansion and full-day, full-year default. She calls for pay parity, increased wages for family child care providers, and true cost of care reimbursement.
Karen Rogan, Director of Community Programs at Literacy Inc., describes the Cities First Readers network and urges the city to leverage trusted community organizations to help families learn about and enroll in 2K.
Robert Cordero, CEO of Grand Street Settlement, recommends investing in the workforce, funding true cost of care, and building 2K through existing community-based providers. He notes bureaucratic delays as a key impediment.
Tara Gardner, Executive Director of the Daycare Council of New York, shares survey data showing 87% of providers interested in 2K but concerned about staffing and payments. She outlines conditions for successful expansion.
Gutiérrez asks Kaylee if the provider she looked into is center-based or home-based. Kaylee confirms it is center-based.
Gutiérrez asks Allison about organizing efforts in a non-election year. Allison says parents are excited and optimistic, and want their neighbors and families to stay in New York.
Gutiérrez asks the panel about conversations with providers regarding 2K expansion and whether they feel supported. Robert Cordero says providers are ready but bureaucratic issues are the biggest impediment.
Cordero describes delays with DOH, FDNY, and NYCHA inspections, and notes that larger providers can navigate bureaucracy better than home-based providers. He calls for interagency streamlining.
Moran says it's hard to prepare without knowing target neighborhoods for next expansion. Once known, providers can start building capacity and affiliating new family child care providers.
Gardner notes network staff are also underpaid, affecting quality. She also calls for flexibility in contracting to change seat counts as communities change.
Gutiérrez asks Karen what an ideal relationship with the department would look like. Karen says leveraging community organizations' reach and trust to help with enrollment and information sharing.
Gutiérrez asks if anyone has feedback from 2K providers on rates. Tara Gardner says providers appreciate increased funding and extended year default, and their network is at 94% capacity.
Brewer asks if providers are measuring outcomes to show the importance of early childhood education. Robert Cordero says Grand Street follows children longitudinally and hopes the city will measure outcomes from baseline.
Gutiérrez calls up the second panel: Albania Jimenez, Betty Baez Melo, Lara Kyriakou, Joy Farina Foskett, and Sarah Wilner.
Albania Jimenez, Chief of Advocacy at Literacy Inc., urges the council to look beyond seat counts and invest in early literacy, professional learning, and family engagement as part of quality in 2K.
Betty Baez Melo, Director of Early Childhood Education at Advocates for Children, calls for dedicated resources, specialized models, and coordination with EI to ensure 2K is inclusive for children with disabilities.
Lara Kyriakou, Senior Director of Policy at All Our Kin, notes only 20% of family child care programs are in DOE networks. She calls for including independent educators and funding continuity of care across early years.
Joy Farina Foskett, representing PEC, highlights the need to stabilize CBOs, ensure timely payments, pay parity, and sustainable enrollment models. She emphasizes trust and transparency in expansion.
Sarah Wilner, Executive Director of Early Starters USA, describes working with families in housing instability. She calls for trusted community outreach, workforce pre-apprenticeships, and quality programs for two-year-olds.
Gutiérrez asks Laura if provider opinions on joining networks might change. Laura says continued engagement and transparency will help, but some providers will always want to remain independent.
Gutiérrez asks Betty for urgent priorities for children with special needs in the expansion. Betty emphasizes a process for requesting accommodations and specialized settings for children with significant needs.
Gutiérrez calls up the third panel: Camila Faruqi, Stamo Karalazuridis, and Sejal Kothari.
Camila Faruqi, founder of Manhattan Schoolhouse, describes payment delays, pay parity losses, and frozen rates. She recommends registering contracts before fiscal year, advance payments by July, and a permanent seat at the table for CBOs.
Stamo Karalazuridis, First Vice President of CSA, calls for contracts completed before services begin, timely advance payments, and contracts that reflect actual operating costs. She emphasizes director pay parity.
Sejal Kothari, pediatrician and program director of UMEC, describes using early childhood ambassadors to help families navigate 2K, EI, and other systems. She urges investment in trusted family engagement alongside seats.
Gutiérrez thanks the third panel for their testimony.
Gutiérrez calls up the online panel: Lori Cangiolosi, Zoe Sperrazza, and Adrienne Bond.
Dr. Zoe Sperrazza, Education Director at Kitty Academy, calls for pay equity and meaningful salary increases for early childhood educators in CBOs, arguing that access alone is not enough without quality.
Lori Cangiolosi, Director of the Playgroup Experience, calls for a compensation structure tied to DOE salary scales, including assistant teachers and benefits. She urges reform before expansion.
Adrienne Vaughn, Executive Director of Quick Start Daycare Center, describes struggling to open with no funding and waiting for payments. She asks for a full partnership and timely invoice payments.
Gutiérrez thanks the administration for staying and all testifiers for their testimony. She announces the next hearing in late October and concludes the meeting.