1. How it Works
Your child can get free child care through EarlyLearn NYC. EarlyLearn gives your child a safe and clean place to stay during the day, with games and education, preparing your child for Pre-K. Children in EarlyLearn get healthy meals and snacks and can stay for up to 10 hours each day.
- If you are receiving Cash Assistance and in an HRA-approved work, education, or training activity you are probably eligible
- Services are available for children with special needs
- Child care options are also available through the EarlyLearn Head Start program (for three and four year olds) and private programs
More ways to get help with this program
Visit the website
Visit the EarlyLearn NYC Child Care website for more information.
Call 311
Ask for EarlyLearn Child Care if you need help finding a program.
Visit a center
Visit an EarlyLearn center near you for help in person.
2. Determine your eligibility
To be eligible, you should be able to answer yes to these questions:
- Is your child between six weeks and four years old?
- Are you working or attending an approved training or educational program for 20 hours or more per week?
- Is your family already receiving services from either ACS or the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)?
There are also income guidelines your family must meet to be eligible. With a few questions, we can help you find out if you may be eligible.
3. What you need to include
It’s important to include the right documents when you apply. Your documents show whether the program is right for you.
This page can help you choose the right documents for your application.
Proof of who you are
Proof of where you live
Proof of your income
Proof of citizenship/immigration status
4. How to apply
Here are your options.
Apply in person
- Use the EarlyLearn NYC program finder and choose a provider.
- Download the application, visit the program of your choice to pick one up, or call 311 and request one be mailed to you.
- Complete the application and submit it with required the documents to the EarlyLearn NYC Child Care program site of your choice.
- If your child is approved for a seat in an EarlyLearn NYC center, ACS and the program will contact you about when your child can start attending. If your child is eligible, but the program has no vacancies, you may be placed on a waiting list.
- If you are receiving benefits from the Human Resources Administration (HRA) and would like to enroll in an EarlyLearn NYC program, visit your assigned Job Center.