Page 6 - QT-11-26 03-12-26

PAGE 6 THE QUEENS TIMES THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

Mayor Mamdani And Governor Hochul Announce
First Four Communities To Receive Free 2-K Seats

In a major step toward uni-
versal child care from six weeks
to five years old, Mayor Zohran
Kwame Mamdani and Governor
Kathy Hochul announced the
first four communities that will
receive free 2-K seats this fall.
The four communities are:
• School District 6: Washington
Heights, Hamilton Heights and
Inwood
• School District 10: Ford-
ham, Belmont, Norwood, Morris
Heights, Van Cortlandt Village
and Kingsbridge
• School Districts 18 and 23: Ca-
narsie, Remsen Village, Browns-
ville and Ocean Hill
• School District 27: Ozone Park,
South Ozone Park, Richmond at full implementation. City. This is how we make New
Hill, Howard Beach, Woodhaven “Raising a child takes a village York the best place to start a fam-
and Rockaways – and it takes a city government ily and build a future – and we’re
First announced on day eight willing to step up and tackle the just getting started.”
of the Mamdani Administration child care crisis head-on,” said The initial four communities
alongside Gov. Kathy Hochul, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. were selected based on eco-
2-K is a cornerstone of the May- “On day eight, we moved closer nomic need, projected child care
or’s universal child care initiative. to making universal childcare demand, existing access gaps,
The program will provide free a reality. This fall, 2,000 New provider capacity and readiness. Park Side Restaurant
child care for two-year-olds in York City two-year-olds will have These first 2,000 seats are de-
New York City to any family who a brighter future because of it. signed to serve families in high-
needs it, regardless of zip code, Launching free 2-K in these four need neighborhoods while ensur-
income or immigration status. neighborhoods is just the begin- ing programs launch responsibly Queens’Finest Italian Restaurant
The program will launch with ning of our work to put money and sustainably, with inclusive
2,000 free seats this fall and ex- back in New Yorkers’ pockets, access for children with disabili-
pand to full universality within strengthen our entire economy ties and families in temporary
four years. and help more families build their housing, including shelters.
Earlier this year, Gov. Hochul lives here.” Services will begin in Septem-
committed more than $1.2 billion “Raising a family in New ber 2026, with rolling enrollment
to support early childhood care York shouldn’t feel like a luxury, throughout the fall to accom-
and education in New York City, and today we’re taking another modate children turning two at
including $73 million to fund the significant step to deliver uni- different points in the year. In the
first set of free 2-K seats. That versal child care,” said Governor coming days, the City will begin
investment will grow to $425 mil- Hochul. “Earlier this year, Mayor planning efforts with child care
lion next year. By fall 2027, 2-K is Mamdani and I stood together to centers and family child care pro-
expected to serve approximately announce the state’s historic in- viders in these four communities.
12,000 children across all five vestment in New York City’s 2-K Additional details on participat-
boroughs, with the goal of reach- program, delivering free child ing providers will be released in About Park Side Restaurant - An Italian Landmark in the heart of Corona,
Queens, Park Side Restaurant is truly a destination that is worth the trip.
ing every two-year-old in the city care for two-year-olds across the the weeks ahead.
After one visit, you will be sure to be back again and again for one the
Assemblywoman Nily Rozic Hosts Lunar New Year city’s Best Italian restaurants. Bring your appetite and enjoy authentic
and always delicious dishes using the freshest ingredients and attention to
Meal Giveaway For Flushing Seniors detail served by our professional staff. Park Side is also happy to host your
next function with our private dining area and flexible banquet packages.
Assemblywoman Nily Rozic 107-01 Corona Ave. Corona Heights, NY
(D–Fresh Meadows), in partner- (718) 271-9274 • (718) 271-9871
ship with Selfhelp Community
Services and Resorts World Gives, - Reservations Suggested -
hosted a Lunar New Year meal
giveaway, providing hundreds of
meals to seniors in celebration of
the holiday and in support of the
local community.
“Lunar New Year is a time to
celebrate family and community,”
said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic.
“I am grateful to partner with
Selfhelp and Resorts World Gives
to make sure our seniors can share
in the joy of the season and enjoy a
warm meal as we welcome the new
year together.” in the Flushing community,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic has
“As a long-standing organization Michelle Stoddart, SVP Commu- secured historic victories for the
in the World’s Borough, it is always nity Development, Resorts World Asian American community: mak-
a privilege to honor the traditions New York City. “The Lunar New ing Lunar New Year a statewide
of the AAPI community,” said Stu- Year season is a celebration of public school holiday and fighting
art Kaplan, CEO of Selfhelp Com- community and generosity, values to ensure Asian American history
munity Services. “We are grateful we share deeply as a neighbor in is taught in schools. As part of this
to partner with Assemblymember Queens. We are grateful to As- year’s state budget, Assemblywom-
Rozic and Resorts World Gives to semblywoman Rozic for bringing an Rozic is advocating for $54.35
celebrate the Lunar New Year and this tradition to life for the families million for the AAPI Equity Fund
deliver hundreds of free meals to and seniors of Flushing so they can to support critical community ser-
Queens seniors. This is an espe- share in the joy of the season. vices and nonprofit programming.
cially meaningful effort at a time Lunar New Year holds deep cul- This meal donation marks the sec-
when too many older adults are fac- tural significance for many fami- ond allocation announced by Rozic
ing food insecurity, and are relying lies across Queens and throughout and follows her annual holiday
on trusted community partners for the Asian American community. meal giveaway that also benefited
support.” Celebrations traditionally center over 500 local families.
“Resorts World New York City around gathering with loved ones, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic
is proud to partner with Assembly- sharing well wishes of health, is photographed with volunteers
woman Nily Rozic to celebrate Lu- prosperity, and good fortune in the and staff at Selfhelp Community
nar New Year and support seniors year ahead. Services and local constituents.