Parents rallied outside Nuestros Niños Day Care Center in Brooklyn after the city announced it would close several childcare centers. CBS News reported that four centers in Brooklyn and one in Queens are facing closure due to low enrollment and budget cuts. The city decided not to renew their leases, which has affected both parents and the centers, who are also dealing with unpaid funds.

Childcare centers are trying to recover overdue payments from the city. Gothamist reported that three Brooklyn centers—Fort Greene Council, Nuestros Niños, and Grand Street Settlement—are fighting for over $2.5 million in payments. Despite multiple attempts to resolve the issue, the centers continue to struggle with paperwork and lack of guidance from the Department of Education. Some centers have been waiting for payments since 2020.

The city’s education department defended the closures, stating they are a cost-saving measure aimed at eliminating inefficiencies. They promised to help families find alternative childcare placements. However, local leaders, like City Council Member Jennifer Gutierrez, expressed frustration, saying, "If this site closes, that sends the strongest message I think I've ever heard, I was born and raised here, which is your mayor does not care about your family and does not care about your children," in a statement obtained by CBS News.

Questions have arisen about the city’s claim of low enrollment. Robert Cordero of Grand Street Settlement said their attendance is at 98%. Some believe the closures may be motivated by factors other than enrollment, such as financial or real estate interests, a concern raised by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.