New York City Mayor Eric Adams has unveiled a landmark $167 million investment in early childhood education, set to be included in the city’s Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget. This funding will support young children and their families, with a focus on ensuring that vital early childhood education programs are preserved and expanded across all five boroughs.
The new investment will mark the first-ever annual commitment to citywide 3-K expansion, as well as funding for pre-K programs for students with disabilities, guaranteeing continuity for these children. Additionally, New York City Public Schools will restructure the federally funded Head Start program to expand services for younger children, including Early Head Start, which focuses on infants and toddlers.
“We must invest in our children’s future to make New York City the best place to raise a family,” said Mayor Adams. “This historic funding will ensure that our youngest students have the resources they need to succeed, and that parents don’t have to choose between earning a living and caring for their children. By securing nearly $170 million annually, we’re making a lasting commitment to programs like pre-K special education and citywide 3-K expansion, ensuring these programs are a permanent part of our city’s future.”
Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of early education in creating a strong foundation for children’s success. “Investing in early childhood education is personal for me as a working mom,” she said. “These investments will provide essential programs like pre-K special education and expand 3-K access for all children. The Head Start program is vital for our most vulnerable families, and securing funding ensures that all families have access to quality education in their communities.”
In the previous Fiscal Year 2025, Mayor Adams protected over $600 million in long-term education funding, which had been at risk due to expiring stimulus dollars. This included investments in Summer Rising, a citywide 3-K expansion, special education pre-K, community schools, social workers, and arts education. Notably, $92 million in one-time funding was allocated to expand 3-K, and $20 million was used to ensure that every child on the 3-K waitlist received a seat. Additionally, $55 million was dedicated to creating more than 700 new seats for children with special needs.
For the first time, the FY 2026 budget will make these investments permanent, providing consistent funding for these crucial programs to ensure every child who wants an early childhood seat can access one, now and in the future.
Mayor Adams also reiterated his commitment to providing high-quality educational services, especially for the city’s most vulnerable children. Head Start, a critical program for children under five, has faced challenges with federal funding. In response, New York City Public Schools has reapplied for Head Start funding with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. This application prioritizes expanding Early Head Start to serve infants and toddlers under three years old.
“As I’ve always said, every child who needs an early childhood education seat should have one,” Mayor Adams noted. “We’re carefully managing this transition and ensuring that families are informed and supported every step of the way. We will work with providers, elected officials, and families to ensure that every child has access to the best possible start in life.”
New York City Public Schools will guide families through available options, including Early Head Start, Head Start, 3-K, and pre-K, and will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth process. The full fiscal impact will depend on the federal government’s response to the city’s grant application.
This historic investment marks a significant step forward in ensuring that every child in New York City has access to quality early childhood education, strengthening the foundation for their success in school and beyond.
