Mayor Eric Adams announced major forthcoming funding for Childcare Quality and Innovation at philanthropic group Robin Hood’s annual benefit to support poverty reduction in the city on May 9.
The funding announced includes $50 million from Robin Hood and an additional $50 million from the city in the next four years, as a result of state and federal block funding. The Childcare Quality and Innovation Initiative is a part of Adams’ larger childcare plan, which will be released in the next few weeks.
“Investing in childcare is a down payment on progress and the future of our kids. We need to get New Yorkers back to work and lower the cost of childcare — both of which will uplift families and remove the obstacles that are holding too many parents back,” said Mayor Adams. “We’re excited to partner with Robin Hood on this $100 million Childcare Quality and Innovation Initiative to not only position New York as a leader in the sector, but to take major steps towards a new, more equitable city for all.”
The Childcare Quality and Innovation Initiative aims to make high-quality childcare much more accessible, while simultaneously improving the quality of care provided to NYC children. This new funding can be used to develop childcare solutions – such as expanding access in childcare deserts, among other results.
“As we recover from the pandemic, poverty remains persistent and pervasive in New York City, but we know investing in high-quality, affordable childcare will uplift families in all five boroughs. Access to high-quality and affordable childcare sets a child up for success to excel developmentally and academically and gets parents back to work — it’s good for the economy and good for fighting poverty,” said Robin Hood CEO Richard R. Buery, Jr. “That’s why we brought together our generous supporters and Mayor Adams at Robin Hood’s 2022 Annual Benefit and are committed to investing $100 million into reimagining New York City’s childcare sector and giving every family the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty.”
Research has shown that the most impactful poverty-fighting programs we can invest in start in infancy, yet as of right now 52% of NYC families with children under the age of four cannot afford childcare. Since the beginning of the pandemic, one in four parents have had to turn down jobs, change jobs or leave entirely due to childcare needs. This in particular has disproportionately impacted women and women of color.
Investing in NYC’s childcare system will not only help children succeed and develop, but will also help their parents and families get back on their feet economically after the financial crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has devastated so many.
“The partnership between Robin Hood and City Hall to build the Childcare Quality and Innovation Initiative fundamentally transforms childcare for working families across New York City,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright. “For too long, families — largely women and women of color — encountered a host of hurdles to get access to quality childcare. With this $100 million commitment, we are one step closer to building a childcare system that finally works for New Yorkers.”
