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Free or low-cost child care for children six weeks to two years old

Infant and Toddler Programs | NYC Public Schools

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How it Works

Infant and Toddler programs provide free or low-cost child care and education for children six weeks to two years old. There are hundreds of programs in New York City that offer safe and positive learning environments for children.

  • Child care options include:
    • Extended Day & Year (EDY) Infant and Toddler programs
      • For children aged six weeks to two years.
      • Takes place in centers or homes for up to 10 hours a day.
      • Families will need to pay some of the cost of child care if they do not get Cash Assistance, are not in foster care, or are not homeless.
    • Early Head Start programs
      • Provide services for children aged six weeks to three-years-old (who are not yet age-eligible for 3K).
      • Services for at least eight hours a day.
  • If you qualify and there is a seat available, your child can join a program anytime during the year.

Determine your eligibility

Extended Day & Year (EDY) Infant/Toddler programs

For EDY programs, children must have legal immigration status. Children are eligible for care regardless of the parents’ legal immigration status.

You must have at least one of these approved “reasons for care”:

  • You work 10+ hours per week
  • You are in an educational or vocational training program
  • You are starting to look for work or have been looking for work for up to 6 months. This includes looking for work while receiving unemployment
  • You live in temporary housing
  • You are attending services for domestic violence
  • You are receiving treatment for substance abuse
  • You may qualify if your household income is at or below these amounts:
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

Early Head Start programs

Legal immigration status is not a requirement for children or parents in Early Head Start programs.

The best way to find out if your family is eligible for Early Head Start is to contact a program directly. Your family may qualify for Early Head Start if at least one of these categories applies to you:

  • You live in temporary housing
  • You receive HRA Cash Assistance
  • You receive SSI (Supplemental Security Insurance)
  • You receive SNAP benefits
  • You are enrolling a child who is in foster care
  • You may also qualify if your household income is at or below these amounts:
Family size Yearly income
1 $14,580
2 $19,720
3 $24,860
4 $30,000
5 $35,140
6 $40,280
7 $45,420
8 $50,560
For each additional person, add: $5,140

 


How to apply

Apply in person

  1. Find a program on MySchools.
    • Click “More Filters” and check any of the options under “EarlyLearn”.
    • Then, type in your home address to find a program near you.
  2. Visit a program. Staff will help you complete the application.

If you already get HRA benefits, apply at your assigned HRA Benefits Access Center instead.

Find a program


More information

Visit the website

Get more information about childcare from NYCDOE.


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Last Updated October 11, 2024

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