What to know about free and affordable child care in New York City:
- Regardless of your immigration status, you can access NYC’s child care programs.
- There is free or low-cost care for children from infancy to age 13 (or older if the child is disabled), including full-day early education, licensed in-home or center-based care, and after-school programs.
- Help is available for families in many languages to navigate child care programs and applications.
Juggling work and child care is tough when you move to a new city. Fortunately, NYC has resources designed to support all new arrivals — including migrants, asylum seekers and refugee families — by providing safe, affordable and high-quality care for kids from infancy through their teens. Here’s what to know and how to apply.
Note: Space is limited in some of these programs, so we recommend applying early.
Child care vouchers: For children who are legally present in the U.S.
This is a long-standing subsidy administered through the NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS). It is available to families who:
- Need child care to work, attend school or workforce training
- Make below 85% of the state median income. For a household with two adults, that means $73,869.56 annual income before taxes.
- Are in temporary housing or receive cash assistance
- Are receiving domestic violence assistance
- Are in substance abuse treatment
To see if your family qualifies for free or low-cost child care, consider taking this survey.
These vouchers help cover childcare costs for children aged 6 weeks to 13 years old (up to 19 years old, if a child has disabilities), and parents may use licensed or legally exempt providers like relatives, babysitters, neighbors or a family friend.
Crucially, the parent does not need to be a U.S. citizen, but the child receiving care must have “satisfactory” immigration status (U.S. citizen, national, or certain lawful statuses).
While parents aren’t required to disclose their own immigration status, the requirement for the child’s status can still indirectly pressure families — parents might fear that submitting documentation could trigger exposure, particularly if there’s uncertainty about legal eligibility for the child.
Here’s how to apply:
- Create a MyCity account: Go to mycity.nyc.gov and follow instructions to make an account. This is also where you’ll ultimately submit your application.
- Fill out the child care voucher application: You can fill it out yourself here. Alternatively, you can seek assistance online by chatting with a bot or visit a local community-based organization for support.
- Submit documents: Upload or send in proof of income, reason for care, and your child’s status.
- Wait for eligibility notice: If you’re eligible, you’ll get a voucher in the mail or by email. Approval can take up to six weeks, depending on the provider. Track your status via your MyCity account.
- Choose a child care provider: Bring your voucher to a licensed child care center or registered home-based care provider you choose.
- Complete final steps: The child care provider and your family will complete and return the voucher to ACS for final enrollment.
You can use these tools to find licensed providers near you. One tool is Child Care Connect, where you can find a home-based child care provider. Using the search tool on the same website, browse all the options. Click here for more information, details and links to all steps.
Community-based organizations can help you fill out applications in Spanish, Chinese, and other languages. It is recommended to keep copies of everything you submit, especially your child’s documents and proof of income.
If you need help, call 311 or contact a local community organization that works with immigrant families. If you receive cash assistance, you should apply through the Human Resources Administration at a Benefit Access Center.
Also Read: How to Apply for Child Care Subsidies If You Are A Low-Income Undocumented Family
Promise NYC: Available for undocumented children
Launched in early 2023, Promise NYC is specifically aimed at undocumented and mixed-status immigrant families who have traditionally been excluded from federal and state child care subsidies.
It covers child care for children up to age 13 in families earning up to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is anannual income of $63,450 before taxes for a family with two working adults.
Important: Promise NYC does not require families to disclose their immigration status.
Here’s how to apply:
- Parents who are interested should contact their borough’s Community-Based Organization (CBO). A Promise NYC worker will then guide them through the application process.
- For eligible children, CBO staff will facilitate the Promise NYC enrollment process. This includes assisting families in finding, choosing, and registering with a licensed or registered child care program, as well as managing monthly subsidy payments to the chosen provider.
- The following organizations help with enrollment for Promise NYC:
- Center for Family Life serves families in Brooklyn;
- Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation serves families in the Bronx and Manhattan;
- La Colmena serves families in Staten Island;
- The Chinese-American Planning Council serves families in Queens.
Head Start and Early Head Start: For children who are legally in the U.S.
Early Head Start is a day education program for children under 3 years old. Head Start is for children ages 3 to 5. These programs are designed for low-income and homeless families.
For decades, undocumented families benefited from Head Start and Early Head Start. On July 10, 2025 the Trump administration rescinded this policy. Now, undocumented children are no longer eligible. To receive Head Start benefits, children will have to be citizens, legal permanent residents, or an asylum seeker, refugee, or parolee.
This program has limited space and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. As programs may have waiting lists once they reach capacity, families are encouraged to apply early for year-round enrollment.
What Head Start and Early Head Start offer:
- Year-round, full-day care
- Nutritious meals and teeth cleaning
- Learning and play
- Mental health and trauma support
- Home-based or center-based care
To apply, use the Head Start Locator online to find a program near you, then call the program directly to ask about enrollment and next steps.
3-K and Pre-K: Available for undocumented children
Pre-K, which is for 4-year-olds, and 3-K, which is for 3-year-olds, are free school options for all New Yorkers regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Applications open in January and February on MySchools. While spots are not limited, children in shelters and Head Start programs get priority placement.
This is what you’ll need to apply:
- Proof of income (pay stubs, benefits letter, shelter letter, etc.)
- Photo ID (passport, consulate ID accepted)
- Child’s birth certificate
- DOH Health Form from a doctor (with up-to-date vaccines)
Need help finding or applying for child care?
The Committee for Hispanic Children and Families (CHCF) helps families find nearby daycares, understand programs and apply for vouchers. You can reach them by calling Juan Poll at 929-256-1949 or via email at jpoll@chcfinc.org. You can also visit the Department of Education Family Welcome Center near you. They can help year-round with enrollment in 3-K, Pre-K, kindergarten, and beyond. There are nine centers across NYC. Book an appointment at schools.nyc.gov and find a Welcome Center near you in this list.
