Mamdani’s free childcare expansion still isn’t funded — and providers are scrambling to open schools: ‘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. Adrienne Bond, executive director at Quick Start Daycare Center, had to tap into personal funds as she awaits a $400,000 advance payment from the city. James Keivom for NY Post “If we do open up on the first day of school, I won’t have