New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez released a video encouraging all parents, including those regardless of immigration status, to enroll children in the city's free Pre-K and 3-K programs. The video, conducted in Spanish, highlights eligibility for children turning three or four in 2026. Applications are available through multiple channels with accommodations for various needs.
In a video released this week, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and U.S. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez promoted the city's free childcare initiatives, specifically targeting enrollment for Pre-K and 3-K programs. Ocasio-Cortez stated, “Any New York City parent, regardless of your occupation, income, or immigration status, is eligible to sign their child up.” The video was presented entirely in Spanish, with Mamdani acknowledging his limited fluency in the language before yielding to Ocasio-Cortez.
Eligibility applies to children turning three or four in 2026, offering “free, full-day, high-quality education to three-year-old children.” Standard requirements include proof of the child’s age and New York City residency, but these can be waived for families in temporary housing under the McKinney-Vento definition. As noted in enrollment forms, “Students in temporary housing... are not required to submit documentation (including address, proof of date of birth, and immunization) in order to enroll.”
Mamdani shared the video on X on February 24, 2026, writing, “My Spanish is… not very good... But the fight for universal childcare? That’s very good.” Parents can apply online via the “MySchools” portal, by phone with interpretation in over 200 languages, or in person at Family Welcome Centers.
This initiative reflects Mamdani’s early administration priorities as an avowed socialist who campaigned on free services like city buses and grocery stores. However, funding challenges persist, with a proposed budget of $127 billion creating a deficit. Mamdani has suggested a 9.5% property tax increase, while seeking a 2% tax on incomes over $1 million from Governor Kathy Hochul, who has committed $1.5 billion over two years for budget support, including early childhood programs, but pledged no general tax hikes in 2026.
Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez have been prominent in Democratic efforts on immigration issues, with Ocasio-Cortez previously clashing with border official Tom Homan over detention policies, and Mamdani’s immigration chief advocating for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Despite these efforts, Mamdani faces criticism for delays in agenda delivery and resuming homeless encampment sweeps after initially halting them upon taking office in January.
