Mayor Eric Adams is shining a light on his achievements in child care as he prepares for his upcoming re-election campaign. He recently announced a new $10 million pilot program aimed at expanding free child care for low-income families. This initiative seeks to portray him as a strong advocate for education in New York City.
Adams emphasized his efforts to build on the previous administration’s legacy, particularly the goal of making child care accessible to those who need it most. With rising living costs pushing many families to reconsider their options in the city, Adams argues that affordable child care is vital for keeping working-class families in New York.
“For years, the cost of living has driven many New Yorkers out of the five boroughs,” Adams stated. “Our administration is actively working to make the American Dream attainable by making our city more affordable for all families.”
The mayor, who is running for re-election as an Independent, highlighted the upcoming pilot program, set to launch in January 2026. It will focus on providing infant and toddler care for children up to two years old, with the service being free for qualifying low-income families.
“This will mark the first steps toward universal child care for low-income families,” he noted during a press conference.
He acknowledged the hard work of parents in the city, who face significant economic hurdles while raising their children. By expanding child care options, Adams expressed that it sends a strong message about investing in children at a critical stage in their development.
Alongside the child care program, Adams also unveiled a $70 million plan to support pre-K special education students. This new funding will enhance access to important services like speech, occupational, and physical therapy for preschoolers who need these resources.
“Universal pre-K has not been truly universal if it excludes children with special needs,” Adams pointed out, reflecting on a crucial aspect of his administration’s approach.
The previous mayor, Bill de Blasio, set the groundwork for universal pre-K initiatives, which Adams has continued to support. Both leaders have been collaborating to showcase their achievements, particularly during budget discussions this past spring.
However, the relationship between Adams and de Blasio has seen some tension. In a recent interview, de Blasio notably refrained from endorsing Adams for re-election, despite being a prominent figure in the city’s political landscape.
“I don’t have any intention to get involved in any way at this point, but I’m going to watch really closely,” de Blasio remarked, leaving his stance in the balance as the election approaches.
On the other side of the political spectrum, the Democratic nominee, Zohran Mamdani, has made comments suggesting that de Blasio was an outstanding mayor, despite the mixed reviews of his administration. Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary decisively, has also proposed a universal child care plan for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, aligning himself with some of Adams’ initiatives, though he advocates for a different approach to school governance.
Mamdani has gained the support of the United Federation of Teachers, which complicates Adams’ position in the campaign. The teachers’ union has expressed their favor for giving more voice to educators and parents in managing schools.
Currently, New York City provides approximately 71,349 pre-K seats for eligible 4-year-olds and 48,000 for 3-year-olds. These programs aim to make early education more accessible, addressing the needs of families across the city.
With the re-election campaign heating up, Mayor Adams is working diligently to position himself as the candidate who prioritizes educational advancement and family support. As the race unfolds, the focus will remain on how effective his initiatives will be in addressing the concerns of families and children throughout New York City.
