NYC Council Passes Legislation to Strengthen Early Childhood Education Programs, Requiring Report on Permit Processes and Mandating Annual Outreach Campaigns

Council also votes to require Know-Your-Rights signage clarifying rules regarding access to City property and immigration enforcement

CITY HALL, NY - Today, the New York City Council passed legislation to support early childhood education and child care programs by studying the processes for obtaining permits and licenses to operate them and identifying how the City can better support providers. The Council also approved legislation codifying the requirement for the Department of Education (DOE) to conduct an annual outreach and education campaign for early childhood education programs, ensuring they reach eligible families.

Together, the bills build on previous legislative efforts by the Council to elevate child care as a priority. Under Speaker Julie Menin, the Council created a new, standalone Subcommittee on Early Childhood Education, advanced legislation requiring the DOE to report quarterly on invoice payments to child care providers to address chronic late-payment failures, and passed a bill mandating the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to provide guidance on the Health Code to prospective child care programs applying for a permit.

"To achieve universal child care, our city must streamline the permitting process to make it easier for providers to set up and operate programs," said Speaker Julie Menin. "Strengthening early childhood and child care programs remains one of my top priorities, and that's why we're proud to pass legislation that builds on our efforts to better support providers and working families. The Council will continue to lead on enacting policies that make these processes more efficient and easier to navigate."

Supporting Early Childhood Education and Child Care Programs and Applicants

Introduction 9-A, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, would require the Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education Care, in consultation with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), the Department of Buildings (DOB), and the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) to conduct a study on the processes for obtaining permits and licenses or registrations to operate a child care program in New York City. The Office would also be required to submit a report on the study that identifies the steps to obtain a permit from DOHMH and the necessary support from the City for child care providers to obtain a license or registration from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

"As we expand access to early childhood education, we must ensure that the community-based organizations can efficiently navigate our City's application, permitting, and licensing processes," said Council Member Linda Lee. "For too many families, child care is already hard enough to find and afford. We should not also make it unnecessarily hard for providers to open their doors, expand their programs, or serve the families who are counting on them. Early childhood education remains a top priority for this Council, and I am grateful to my colleagues for their partnership and support in advancing this legislation. Streamlining these application processes is essential if we are to meet the growing demand for these critical services."

Introduction 579-A, sponsored by Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez, would require the Department of Education (DOE) to develop and implement an annual outreach and education campaign regarding early childhood education programs to reach families with children who are eligible to enroll in them.

"As New York City continues working toward a universal child care system, we must remember that access begins with awareness," said Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. "Families deserve clear, accessible, and timely information about the benefits of early childhood education, enrollment deadlines, available seats and other resources. By codifying these outreach requirements, we can ensure families receive the support they need year after year, regardless of who is in office."

Resolution 365-A, sponsored by Council Member Kevin C. Riley, would call on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.1994/A.2218, to remove the minimum wage and hours requirements for applicants of child care assistance.

"Access to affordable, quality childcare should not depend on whether a parent works a traditional schedule or earns a traditional paycheck," said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. "Too many hardworking New Yorkers face barriers to childcare assistance because of outdated eligibility requirements that fail to reflect the realities of today's workforce. By passing Resolution 365-A, the Council is reaffirming our commitment to expanding access to affordable, quality childcare while supporting working families across our city. Every parent deserves a fair opportunity to access the resources they need to work, provide for their families, and help their children thrive."

Requiring Know-Your-Rights Signage Clarifying Rules Access to City Property and Immigration Enforcement

Introduction 55-A, sponsored by Council Member Alexa Avilés, would require the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) to develop signage that clearly describes the provisions enacted in sections of the New York City Administrative Code pertaining to access to City property and immigration enforcement. The signage would also incorporate know-your-rights material drafted by MOIA. MOIA would prepare the signage in plain language, translate it into multiple languages, and make it available to City agencies. Each covered agency would conspicuously post the signage in at least one centralized location in all City property under its jurisdiction.

"It's crucial that we educate New Yorkers on their legal rights when engaging with federal immigration enforcement," said Council Member Alexa Avilés. "Our city has a long history of strong sanctuary protections. However, our laws are only useful when people know about them and can use them. The NYC Know Your Rights Act, Int. 55-A, will empower New Yorkers and especially city workers by hanging up informational signage on city property. The signs will detail people's rights in an accessible and tangible way. I'm appreciative of my colleagues in the Council taking this important step to protect immigrant New Yorkers today."

Making Older Adult Services More Accessible

Introduction 821-A, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, would require the Department for the Aging (DFTA) to make information regarding services offered or administered by DFTA to be accessible through non-digital formats. Access to services by phone would include the ability to initiate and complete applications, receive guidance regarding additional documentation necessary to support an application, learn the status of an application, and request an application or enrollment information to be sent via mail. Access to such services in paper format would also be made available at older adult centers.

"As more city services continue to move online, we must remember to ensure accessibility for all New Yorkers, particularly many of our older adults," said Council Member Linda Lee. "No older adult should be denied service due to a lack of reliable internet or difficulties utilizing an online portal. Our government should meet the people where they are, and I am proud that this Int. 821 will enhance the accessibility and reliability of services for older adults across our city."

Upholding the Legacy of Juneteenth

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams, would recognize the history of Juneteenth and affirm the City of New York's commitment to upholding the legacy of Juneteenth as a day of hope and celebration.

"Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and honors the resilience, contributions, and enduring legacy of Black Americans whose labor, leadership, and sacrifice helped shape this nation," said Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams. "The legacy of Juneteenth reminds us that progress is not inevitable. It is the result of generations of people who organized, advocated, and refused to allow their voices, their history, or their humanity to be erased. At a time when there are renewed efforts to challenge how our history is taught, discussed, and understood, it is especially important that we remain committed to preserving and sharing the full story of our country. This resolution affirms New York City's commitment to honoring that history, celebrating Black culture and achievement, and ensuring that the legacy of Juneteenth continues to inspire future generations."

"I'm thankful to Deputy Speaker Dr. Williams for introducing this Resolution officially recognizing this important holiday in the City of New York," said Simone A. Jones, Chief Equity Officer of the New York City Council. "This official commemoration reminds us all that Juneteenth is ultimately a celebration of progress. I am grateful to the Speaker and members of the Council for reaffirming the importance of this holiday, and the acknowledging all the work that has come before to advance equity in our country."

Calling for Passage of State Legislation to Amend Worker's Compensation Law

Resolution 165, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams, would call on the New York State Legislature to introduce and pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation to amend the Worker's Compensation Law, in relation to allowing unused Paid Family Leave to be transferred to grandparents and other designated caregivers.

"Paid Family Leave was created because we recognize that caring for a loved one is valuable work," said Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams. "Yet caregiving responsibilities are often shared among multiple family members, many of whom make significant personal and professional sacrifices to provide that care. I introduced this resolution because families should have greater flexibility in how earned Paid Family Leave benefits are used. Allowing unused leave to be transferred to a grandparent or other designated caregiver recognizes the realities of modern caregiving and ensures that support can reach the individuals who are helping families navigate some of life's most important moments. At its core, this proposal is about valuing care work, supporting family stability, and ensuring that our policies reflect how people actually care for one another."

Calling on State to Maintain Transportation Services Programs for Older Adults

Resolution 421-A, sponsored by Council Member Darlene Mealy, would call on the New York State Governor to sign S.8689/A.10055, authorizing the New York State Office for the Aging to establish, operate, and maintain programs for transportation services.

Finance:

Preconsidered Resolution approving a budget modification pursuant to Section 107(e) of the Charter of the City of New York.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, would establish a partial 40-year, Article XI tax exemption for two buildings in Council Member Darlene Mealy's district.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, would establish a full 40-year, Article XI tax exemption for one cooperative building in Council Member Darlene Mealy's district.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, would establish a full 40-year, Article XI tax exemption for one building in Council Member Sandy Nurse's district.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, would establish a partial 40-year, Article XI tax exemption for one building in Council Member Yusef Salaam's district.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, would establish a partial 40-year, Article XI tax exemption for 52 walk-up residential and six commercial buildings in Council Member Lynn Schulman's district.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, would establish a partial 40-year, Article XI tax exemption for 27 buildings in the districts of Council Member Yusef Salaam, Carmen De La Rosa, Chi Ossé, Rita Joseph, Simcha Felder, Farah Louis, and Inna Vernikov.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, would establish a partial 40-year, Article XI tax exemption for one building in Council Member Carl Wilson's district.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, would establish a partial 40-year, Article XI tax exemption for two buildings, one commercial building, and two tax lots in the districts of Council Members Althea Stevens and Justin Sanchez.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, would establish a partial 40-year, Article XI tax exemption for 10 buildings in Council Member Carmen De La Rosa's district.

Preconsidered Resolution, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, would establish a partial 40-year, Article XI tax exemption for 19 buildings in the districts of Council Members Carmen De La Rosa, Eric Dinowitz, Pierina Sanchez, Oswald Feliz, Althea Stevens, Justin Sanchez, and Amanda Farías.

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