In a move that left many Brooklyn and Queens families in a lurch, New York City's Department of Education will not renew leases for several community day care and early child care programs. Among the affected is the distinguished Nuestros Niños center, a fixture in Williamsburg since 1973. ABC7 New York reports that despite claims of under-enrollment from the city, the center insists it's bustling with kids, especially in their highly demanded 2-year-old and 3K programs.
The news shockingly came just weeks after Gov. Kathy Hochul praised the work of day care centers, proposing a $110 million fund for their expansion and upkeep. Standing at Grand Street Settlement’s Bushwick Child and Family Center, Hochul underscored the critical role these centers play in providing opportunities for children from challenging backgrounds. Yet, said Grand Street Settlement is now fully enrolled, with 75 kids and a waitlist, having lost its lease. This alarming contradiction, as pointed out by Gothamist, highlights a disconnect in policy and practice that has left community members questioning the city's commitment to early childhood education.
Parents like Estephanie Garcia are struck by the closure, as Nuestros Niños doesn't just provide child care but also cultural and linguistic connections for families. Garcia's son, a third-generation attendee, benefits from bilingual education and home-cooked meals specialized for each child's needs. Clearly, the center is more than a service; it's a community legacy. "What happened to that legacy that we have built over 51 years? That's not important?" Executive Director Ingrid Matias Chungata told ABC7 New York, expressing the dismay that resonates among daycare champions and users alike.
As families confront the daunting task of finding affordable care solutions in a city where living costs squeeze wallets dry, the closures spell disaster. The city's pivot seems oddly timed, given Mayor Eric Adams' promise to prioritize accessible early childhood education. Advocates argue for the proven benefits of such programs to both local families and the wider economy. "Early childhood education is not only proven to be effective and a game-changer not only for families but for the economy and it's also super popular with voters. I don't know why in an election year the mayor would play games with early childhood education," Councilmember Justin Brannan told Gothamist.
Officials assure that the city is devoted to helping affected families find new programs for their children. "New York City Public Schools is committed to supporting all enrolled families during this transition to identify a nearby program," education department spokesperson Chyann Tull said in a statement acquired by Gothamist. With the reported imbalance of daycare availability throughout the city, parents are left to wonder about not just the imminence of these closures but about the long-term vision the city holds for future generations' early education.
