A citywide survey released on April 18, 2026 highlighted that New York City parents’ preferences for affordable childcare differ according to income level, race, and neighborhood. The findings were underscored during a visit to a Bronx preschool attended by former President Barack Obama and Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

The survey was conducted as the city confronts a shortage of affordable childcare, aiming to capture the diverse circumstances of families with young children across the five boroughs. Results indicate that parents in different income brackets and communities are looking for childcare solutions tailored to their specific financial and cultural needs.

City officials referenced the data while touring the Bronx preschool, emphasizing the importance of aligning childcare options with the varied demands identified by the study.