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Free or low-cost child care for infants and toddlers

Extended Day/Year Infant and Toddler Programs | NYC Public Schools

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How it works

Extended Day and Year (EDY) Birth to Five programs offer free or low-cost child care and early learning for children six weeks to age five.

Extended Day/Year Infant and Toddler Programs run year-round — you can enroll at any time.

Programs run up to 10 hours a day in centers or through home-based care.


Eligibility requirements

Residency requirements for infant and toddler programs

  • Your family must live in New York City
  • Your child must be a US citizen or have legal immigration status
  • Children in foster care outside of New York City can still qualify

Income requirements for infant and toddler programs

Your household income must be at or below the following levels and at least one of the following must apply:

  • You work at least 10 hours per week or are in an education or job training program
  • You’re looking for work (up to 6 months unemployed)
  • You’re receiving services related to domestic violence
  • You’re living in temporary housing

In two-parent households, both parents need to meet one of these conditions.

Family size Monthly income Yearly income
2 $6,156 $73,869.56
3 $7,604 $91,250.63
4 $9,053 $108,631.70
5 $10,501 $126,012.77
6 $11,949 $143,393.84
7 $12,221 $146,652.80
8 $12,493 $149,911.75
9 $12,764 $153,170.70
10 $13,036 $156,429.65
11 $13,307 $159.688.60
12 $13,579 $162,947.55
13 $13,851 $166,206.50
14 $14,122 $169,465.45
15 $14,394 $172,724.40

 

Immigration status requirements

Infant and toddler programs require children to have legal immigration status. Your immigration status does not affect your child’s eligibility.


How to apply


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Get more information about early childhood education from NYC Public Schools

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Send your questions to [email protected]


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Last Updated March 10, 2026

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