New York, NY – New York City now provides a free child care center for municipal employees and their families.
Located on the ground floor of the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building, The Little Apple will provide free, year-round, on-site child care to 40 children ages 6 weeks to 3 years beginning Sept. 10, 2026.
“As hundreds of thousands of New York City students head back to school, 40 of our youngest New Yorkers will begin a new chapter at our City’s first free child care center for municipal workers,” said Mayor Mamdani. “The Little Apple is what it looks like when a city takes care of the people who keep it running. Our babies and toddlers will spend their days in a brand-new, joyful center where they can learn, play and build friendships, while their parents have the peace of mind of knowing their children are safe, cared for and close by — all without having to choose between quality care and making ends meet.”
“Child care is one of the biggest costs facing working families in New York City, and we are proud to do our part in making that burden a little lighter for the employees that move our city forward,” said DCAS Commissioner Yume Kitasei. “The Little Apple gives city employees access to free, high-quality care right where they work, making it easier and more affordable to balance work and raising a family in New York City. In partnership with the Mamdani administration and Imagine Early Learning Centers, we’re proud to bring this new center to life and are so excited to finally open the doors to families and their little ones.”
By expanding access to free, on-site child care, the City is putting up to $20,000 a year back in the pockets of working families. The program will also help the City recruit and retain top talent, boost productivity and support working parents.
