The Brief More than 2,000 children are being offered a spot in New York City's first 2-K early education program, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Gov. More than 5,700 applications, or nearly three for each available seat, were submitted for the free childcare program's inaugural class. More than 2,000 children are receiving offers to be the first to join New York City's 2-K early education program, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Gov. "More than 5,700 families applied because affordable child care allows New York families to stay in the city they love. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks during a press conference at Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling, Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in New York.