NYC offers many services to keep children of all ages safe, happy, and healthy. It’s important to enroll your children in child care and early education programs, so they can meet developmental goals.
What help can I get?
If you’re pregnant and live in temporary housing, or you’re pregnant and receive Cash Assistance or Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI), you might be eligible for Early Head Start. This program provides early care and education that supports pregnant mothers. Visit Head Start to learn more.
If you need free or low-cost child care and education for your child ages 0-4 years old, check out the EarlyLearn and Head Start programs. You can also visit MySchools.nyc to find an infant and toddler program near you.
If you have questions about enrolling your child in 3-K or Pre-K programs, visit the Education page of this site or MySchools.nyc. You can also contact a Family Welcome Center (FWC) in your borough to learn more.
If your infant or toddler ages 0-3 years old is not learning, playing, growing, talking, or walking like other children their age, they may be eligible for the Early Intervention Program (EIP). The program works with you to create a service plan. This plan helps your child meet developmental goals.
If your child ages 3-5 years old has a disability or a delay in development, the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) can help. The service supports learning, speech, social-emotional skills, and more. Find out more by calling 311 and asking for the “Committee on Preschool Special Education.”
If you’re looking for after school or enrichment programs, visit the DiscoverDYCD website. You can search by type of service, location, and age. The website also has housing, family support, and immigration services locations.
If your child needs help with mental health, substance abuse, or more, Prevention Services can offer support. These services are free and available in every neighborhood in NYC. Services are available to support families with children, from infants to young adults. Prevention Services can also help young people with health, education, and financial literacy. Therapeutic treatment for youth dealing with behavior issues because of traumatic events is also available. Visit the NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) page on this site for more information.
How do I get started?
- Go to Access NYC and fill out a short online survey. The survey results will let you know what City benefits you’re eligible for, including some of the ones listed here. Follow the instructions on the result page to apply for benefits. You can also email your results to City staff at your child’s school or your shelter for help.
- Speak to City staff who can help. In schools, there may be an STH Community Coordinator or STH School-Based Liaison who can answer questions. If your child’s school doesn’t have those roles, reach out to the school’s regional manager. In a shelter, speak with a social worker, case manager, or family assistant.
- Gather your documents. You may need certain documents to apply for services. Common ones include proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of income. Don’t let missing documents keep you from applying. City staff can help you replace missing documents.
Undocumented immigrants can access many city services, regardless of their status. City employees will not ask about immigration status unless it is necessary to do their jobs. They must keep information about immigration status confidential.
What benefits and programs does NYC offer?
Click an entry to learn more.
Child Care
Care and education for 3-4 year-olds from low-income families
Head Start
Child Care | NYC Department of Education (DOE)
Head Start programs provide safe and positive environments for children age 3-4 to learn, play, and build the skills that get them ready for kindergarten and beyond. Programs also provide health, nutrition, and other services to children and their families.
Educación infantil gratis para hijos de padres que estudian
Vida de Familias Jóvenes por medio de la Educación
Child Care | NYC Departamento de Educación/Distrito 79
Los padres que estudian pueden obtener educación infantil gratis para sus hijos pequeños mediante LYFE. LYFE también da consejería, servicios de remisión y defensa para ayudar a los padres a alcanzar sus metas educativas y de crianza.
Find a licensed child care program
NYC Child Care Connect
Child Care | Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)
NYC Child Care Connect helps you find a child care program in your community. All programs are inspected and regulated by the NYC Health Department. You can also sign up for notifications about specific child care locations.
Free early childhood education for children of student-parents
Living for the Young Family Through Education
Child Care | NYC Department of Education (DOE); District 79
Parents who are students can get free early childhood education for their young kids though LYFE. LYFE also provides counseling, referral services, and advocacy to help parents achieve their educational and parenting goals.
Free or low-cost child care for children six weeks to two years old
Infants and Toddlers
Child Care | NYC Department of Education (DOE)
EarlyLearn programs provide free or low-cost child care and education for children six weeks to two years old. There are hundreds of programs in New York City that offer safe and positive learning environments for children.
Paid time off to care for family
NYS Paid Family Leave
Child Care | NYS Workers’ Compensation Board (NYS WCB)
Eligible workers can get up to 12 weeks of paid time off to care for family. The maximum weekly benefit for 2024 is $1,151.16. Your job is also protected when you’re on leave.
Vouchers that help cover the cost of child care for children 6 weeks to 13 years old
Child Care Vouchers
Child Care | NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS)
Child care vouchers help cover the cost of child care for children 6 weeks to 13 years old. Children with disabilities up to 19 years old are also covered. Hundreds of home-based and center-based providers across NYC accept child care vouchers and offer child care services in safe and positive learning environments.
Family Services
Career and savings planning for Section 8 tenants
Family Self-Sufficiency
Family Services | NYC Housing Preservation & Development(HPD); NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA)
People who live in Section 8 housing can get help with their case, education, and finding a job. The Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) also helps people save money once they start earning more.
Child support services
Office of Child Support Services
Family Services | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
The Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) makes children the priority through helping mothers, fathers and guardians in opening and maintaining child support cases. A child can get child support until age 21 even if the other parent isn’t involved in the child’s life. Parents who pay child support can get help finding a job and managing their child support debt. Other services are also available.
Confidential family planning services
Family Planning Benefit Program
Family Services | NYS Department of Health (NYS DOH)
This program helps New Yorkers who need family planning, but may not be able to afford it. FPBP services include birth control (including birth control pills and condoms), emergency contraception, and advice about family planning.
Free and safe legal help for immigrants
ActionNYC
Family Services | NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA)
ActionNYC offers free and safe immigration legal help regardless of immigration status. Services are offered by trusted legal service providers at community-based organizations, hospitals, and schools.
Help for adults in danger of abuse, neglect or exploitation
Adult Protective Services
Family Services | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
APS helps adults in danger of abuse, neglect or exploitation. If you or someone you know needs help, refer them to APS by calling 718-557-1399.
Help for at-risk youth
Family Assessment Program
Family Services | NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS)
Families can get help with everyday problems, such as children skipping school or substance use, through the Family Assessment Program (FAP). FAP helps families deal with situations without involving the courts.
Help for survivors of dating, domestic, and gender-based violence
NYC Family Justice Centers
Family Services | NYC Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV)
Survivors of sexual violence, human trafficking, stalking, and intimate partner and family violence can get free and confidential services at NYC FJCs.
Home visits for first-time parents
Newborn Home Visiting Program
Family Services | NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)
First-time parents can get free help from the Newborn Home Visiting Program. Health workers will visit your home and can help you with breastfeeding, mental health education and screenings, provide health and safety tips, and connect you with community resources.
Referrals for long term services and supports
NYC NY Connects
Family Services | NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA)
NY Connects provides information about long term services and supports to people of all ages and disabilities, as well as caregivers and professionals. NY Connects is funded by the NY State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA).
Resources & support for families and children
Growing Up NYC
Family Services | New York City Children’s Cabinet
Growing Up NYC (https://growingupnyc.cityofnewyork.us/) is the City’s resource hub for families. Learn about and access City programs and services for your children. You can also find activities available through government agencies and community partners.
Safe sleep education and cribs for babies
Safe Sleep Initiative
Family Services | NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH); NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS)
Sleeping the wrong way can be dangerous for babies. Get information on the safest way for your baby to sleep from the Safe Sleep Initiative. Low-income families may also be eligible to get a free crib.
Support for children with behavioral challenges
Family Resource Centers
Family Services | NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)
Parents and their children who have emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges can get individual and group-based services at Family Resource Centers (FRCs). Led by people who have had similar experiences, programs include advocacy, referrals and resources, skills development, and support groups for youth and caregivers.
Support for first-time parents
NYC Nurse-Family Partnership
Family Services | NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)
First-time parents can get their own personal nurse at no cost. Your nurse can answer your questions and provide valuable guidance and support for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
