NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — The newest step in Mayor Zohran Mamdani's quest toward universal childcare is clearing 10,000 children off the low-cost voucher waitlist—a queue that had ballooned to 29,000 families.
Supported by a $1.2 billion investment from Gov. Kathy Hochul toward the city's free childcare initiatives, the move will support low-income children ages 6 weeks to 13 years, and through age 19 for children with special needs.
"For nearly three decades, the voucher program has helped children in the Bronx and across our city a strong start in life, regardless of how much money their parents have in their pocket. But we can only serve the number of children that the funding allows," the mayor said at a press conference Monday.
"I am so proud to announce that there is light at the end of the voucher tunnel," Mamdani continued.
State and city funds have been earmarked to apply to 10,000 children on the Child Care Assistance Program waitlist, and over the next several weeks, officials said that the NYC Administration for Children's Services (ACS) will begin inviting families on the list to apply for a voucher. If eligible, families will be invited on a rolling basis over the next few months to receive the voucher, which will cover the cost of care at a provider of their choice.
"Thousands of parents can breathe a little easier knowing that their children have a reliable, safe space to be," said Council Member Althea Stevens, who chairs the Committee for Children and Youth.
In accordance with federal mandates, ACS will prioritize families under 300 percent of the federal poverty line, families that are unhoused or those that have a child with special needs. The city is also providing an online map of providers, showing those that accept vouchers.
