CCC applauds the Mayor and City Council for their leadership in securing a budget that makes critical investments essential to the well-being of children, youth, and families. We also recognize that this budget would not be possible without tireless advocacy throughout budget negotiations to restore and expand funding for critically important programs and services New Yorkers rely upon.

The FY26 budget agreement notably includes meaningful investments to meet the needs of our youngest New Yorkers, including:

• $167 million restored to maintain 3-K and Pre-K seats; continue the Promise NYC program for families ineligible for other child care options; maintain full day/full year early care and education (ECE) seats; and support ongoing outreach and marketing to New York communities.
• $55 million investment in preschool special education and $70 million for services and evaluations to better meet the needs of young children with disabilities.
• $10 million to pilot a child care program for families with infants and toddlers aimed at expanding access to care in communities where needs are highest.

The FY26 budget agreement also makes important investments in education, particularly in initiatives aimed at promoting equity and student well-being:

• Restoration of education funding for restorative justice programs, Community Schools, the Mental Health Continuum, Learning to Work, and immigrant family engagement, among others.
• A $21 million investment for additional afterschool slots in Fiscal Year 2026 and a significant $331 million commitment in future years towards a universal citywide afterschool program for elementary and middle school students. However, we remain concerned about the risk of expanding capacity in the next fiscal year without addressing resource needs to ensure workforce capacity and quality of services.

The FY26 budget also supports the safety and dignity of communities facing many threats, with investments that include:

• $74.7 million for immigration legal services
• $5 million to enhance the 988 crisis response hotline
• $3.2 million for Runaway and Homeless Youth peer and housing navigators

We welcome this budget as a necessary step forward for children and families across our city. In a year marred by fiscal uncertainty and special interests, this budget positions the city to meet the needs of children, families, and communities — especially those facing disproportionate risks. But, while this budget reflects meaningful progress, much more work remains ahead of us. We look forward to working with the Administration, the Council, and partners to build on this momentum and to ensure every child is healthy, housed, educated, and safe.