Mamdanis free childcare expansion snarled by funding delays, leaving providers frustrated: Many trusted him

Zo careless.Frustrated providers tasked with delivering Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s promise of universal childcare — including a new, free 2-K program — complained the city is stiffing them out of six-figure payments, forcing them to dig into their own pockets just two weeks before the start of the school year.Scores of childcare center operators contracted by the city for 2-K, 3-K and pre-K programs griped that advance payments usually sent in August haven’t arrived, leaving them scrambling to cover supplies, staffing and other basics in order to open in time.“If we do open up on the first day of school, I won’t have staff,” said Adrienne Bond, director of the Quick Start Daycare Center in Queens, adding she was waiting on roughly $400,000 from the city.“Mamdani promised positive change in early childhood education, and many trusted him by electing him to office, so when is that coming? We are anxiously waiting.”Bond said she spent $400 of her personal funds, plus maxed out $35,000 from a private after-school program, to cover expenses.

She still had to delay two paychecks for staff and, as outstanding food supplier bills loom, was anxiously awaiting an interest-free bridge loan that so far has been held up by a city Department of Education backlog.“I’m pleading with them for the bridge loan,” she told The Post.The delays not only threaten the debut of Mamdani’s 2-K pilot program, but also the ability of free childcare centers to open when school begins September 10.Hizzoner made free universal childcare one of his key promises when running for mayor in 2025.With the backing of Gov.

Kathy Hochul, he unveiled a “2-Care” pilot for 2-year-olds that aims to expand citywide in the next four years — along with building up existing pre-K and 3-K programs.The pair touted the initiatives — which came with $1.2 billion in state funding — during a joint press conference earlier this month.The push heavily relies on existing childcare provider...