Our housing shortage is not the only affordability crisis facing New Yorkers – families with children under five are also facing a childcare affordability crisis that is pricing them out of our city, with serious implications for our economy, communities, and social fabric. Over 441,000 children under five reside in New York City, and 80% of families find the cost of childcare – particularly for infants and toddlers – to be unreasonably high. Families often pay a fifth of their income in childcare costs. High-quality early childcare and education in a predictable and safe environment, as well as early intervention services where needed, foster and support critical cognitive, social and emotional growth for young children during one of the most important times in their development. But despite strides made with Pre-K and 3-K for All, only 24% of children under five currently benefit from public childcare, leaving most families struggling to find affordable options. These challenges disproportionately affect single-parent families, essential workers, low and middle-income families, reducing workforce participation and leading to economic and social strain, and is even causing families to leave the city altogether.
It’s time to provide support for New York families with young children. It’s time for universal childcare.
Closing the 0-2 Gap: Universal Childcare in New York City
