Amber Cartwright Appointed as New Executive Director of NYC Mayor's Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education

Mayor Eric Adams has tapped Amber Cartwright to take the reins as the new executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. With a career that spans close to 30 years, Cartwright is no stranger to navigating the nuances of childcare and early education within diverse sectors, including public, private, and nonprofit organizations. This depth of experience is anticipated to bolster the office's mission of crafting high-quality, accessible childcare solutions for New York City families, per an announcement from the mayor's office.

In a statement shared by the City of New York, Mayor Adams expressed his confidence in Cartwright's ability to carry forward this critical work, saying, “It takes a city to raise a child — and in New York City, we rely on the strong leadership of teachers, multiple agencies, dedicated providers, parents, and so many more to give our children everything they need to succeed. I’m confident that with Amber Cartwright at the helm as the next executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education, our children will be in safe, secure, and steady hands.” He underscored the significance of early childhood education not just as a policy priority but as a vital resource for working-class families and a key to lifelong success for the city's youth.

Cartwright's appointment puts her at the forefront of the administration's strategic efforts to expand early childhood education services. The Adams administration has made significant strides in increasing enrollment numbers and reducing the financial burden on families, successfully enrolling a historic 150,000 children and slashing out-of-pocket child care subsidy costs from last year's $55 per week to an affordable $5 per week. On top of that, every eligible child who applied for 3-K on time received a seat, marking a first in New York City history, according to the mayor's office.

Last year's investment endeavours included a $514 million protection for early childhood programs at risk of losing funding and a $100 million joint effort with the City Council toward strengthening the system citywide. The combined total investment for early childhood education in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget now rounds up to a formidable $3 billion, thus underlining the administration's dedication to this cause.

With her extensive background, including high-ranking positions at organizations like Teaching Matters and several roles within New York City Public Schools, Cartwright brings a wealth of knowledge and connection to the table. Her vision, as Deputy Mayor Ana J. Almanzar articulated in an official announcement, “Her leadership will be crucial in driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and advancing policies that ensure every child in New York City has access to high-quality care and education. We are confident that Amber’s vision and expertise will strengthen our city’s early childhood systems and better support families and providers alike.” Moreover, Cartwright's educational credentials solidify her aptitude; she holds degrees from CUNY York College, CUNY City College of New York, and Bank Street College of Education, accompanied by New York state certifications as a school building and district leader.

The welcome from the early childhood community is warm, with endorsements reflecting confidence in Cartwright's impact on the sector. As Shael Polakow-Suransky, president of Bank Street College of Education, put it, "With her decades of experience and expertise, Amber is the perfect fit for becoming the city's next executive director for the Mayor’s Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. We looking forward to working with her to ensure that our children receive the very best our city has to offer," as noted by the mayor's office.