How the mayor’s indictment could affect child care services in New York

“We have already seen the city’s commitment to the Universal Pre-K and Universal 3K programs decline. Parents cannot afford to lose any more ground.”

The recent federal indictment against New York City Mayor Eric Adams has sent shockwaves across the political landscape. As the city grapples with this unprecedented situation, it is important to consider the impact such a scandal could have beyond the immediate political arena — particularly on the nonprofit child care sector, which plays a critical role in supporting families across the board City plays.

Community-based providers rely on contracted public funding to maintain services such as subsidies for low-income families, staff salaries, and facility operations. Should this funding be eliminated or reallocated due to political unrest, families already struggling to make ends meet could see an increase in child care costs. Providers could be forced to reduce services, lay off staff (the majority of whom are women of color), or close their doors entirely, a reality many child care providers are already facing.

The uncertainty caused by the indictment and subsequent resignations could also result in city officials and agencies becoming less focused on addressing the affordable child care crisis. Reform and expansion of child care support to address systemic barriers, many of which are outlined in the mayor’s 10-point plan to make quality child care more affordable and accessible, may be delayed even further as attention turns to litigation. We have already seen the city’s commitment to the Universal Pre-K and Universal 3K programs decline. Parents cannot afford to lose any more ground.