The Path to Universal Child Care

The proposed investment in universal child care is what the state has needed for a long time. Parents already spend $14 billion a year on childcare, and economists estimate that every dollar spent on high-quality pre-K returns $13 in long-term benefits. A $2 billion investment in statewide 3-K and pre-K today could generate $26 billion and advance equity for families and children (New Yorkers United for Child Care, 2025).

The state’s current plan to provide universal access by 2035 is too slow. A faster, phased approach could make publicly funded preschool available to all 3- and 4-year-olds within three years:
Year One: Guarantee Pre-K for all 4-year-olds and invest in systems, workforce, and facilities.
Year Two: Expand access for 3-year-olds, focusing on higher-need districts.
Year Three: Serve all 3- and 4-year-olds statewide in publicly funded preschool.

Capital investments should be front-loaded to allow time for construction and system readiness. Access may vary locally, but deadlines should be consistent across districts.

The 2-Care initiative proposes a free, full-day, year-round program for two-year-olds in New York City. It provides a blueprint for closing the most expensive and inequitable gap in childcare. Starting at age two helps grow provider capacity and strengthens the workforce, moving the state closer to universal care from birth

Governor Hochul’s January 2026 budget proposes $1.7 billion in new investment, bringing total state child care spending to $4.5 billion. The plan advances universal care for 4-year-olds statewide by 2028, strengthens NYC’s 3-K program, and launches 2-Care for two-year-olds. Year one allocates $73 million to launch 2-Care in high-need communities, scaling to serve an estimated 55,000 children citywide over four years. WCC is proud to partner with the 2-Care Coalition to turn these commitments into lasting change.

Women Creating Change supports bold, sustained investment in child care as a cornerstone of gender equity and economic justice. Truly universal child care is not a luxury. It is essential infrastructure for a fair economy and a livable city.

Are you worried about the cost of child care in New York? See how you can get involved with our partners at New Yorkers United for Child Care:

• Sign the petition calling on lawmakers to enact universal child care.
• Help spread the word using the Lobby Day Outreach Toolkit, with key messages, email templates, graphics, and more.
• Join advocacy trips to Albany to meet state legislators.

This is part two of a two-part series on childcare. Read part one for background on the current gaps and economic impact of childcare in New York City.