Meet Arely

public 3-K/Pre-K system have allowed unprecedented access to early childhood services for immigrant children, but without the proper funding for outreach and support, many families will never know that these programs exist and will remain shut out. We can’t let that happen.”

NYIC’s LIFE Project and join in the call for salary parity for early childhood educators, better processes for outreach and enrollment, and a path to preserve 3-K and create more care options for working families, said Councilmember Carlina Rivera, District 2.

“New York City is facing a major affordability crisis, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the cost of childcare. By funding the LIFE Project, Promise NYC, and making reasonable investments in the early childhood system, New York can give more children the foundation they need for success and more families the relief they deserve,” said Liza Schwartzwald, Senior Manager of Economic Justice and Family Empowerment, New York Immigration Coalition. “Promise NYC and the City’s

"As a working parent, I know first hand the importance of child care access. Last year NYC invested in making child care assistance available to families whose immigration status was a barrier. This year the city must do the same and invest more funding so that more families have access. That is a smart investment that pays dividends in so many ways, the social and emotional development of children, school readiness, and economic recovery and success,” said Smitha Milich, NYC Campaign Coordinator, Alliance for Quality Education.

"New York City's moms and families are counting on lawmakers to prioritize solutions to the child care crisis in this year's budget," said Diana Limongi, Campaign Director for Early Learning, MomsRising. "We need a budget that helps ensure all families, regardless of immigration status, can find and afford quality child care. New York is a city of immigrants, and immigrants power our economy. And all kids, no matter where they were born, deserve a strong start to their education. Investing in undocumented families and children is an investment in our city's future."l