For many Millennials and even older Generation Z in New York City, becoming parents seemed impossible to afford. With crushing student debt and the high cost of living, we could barely afford to support ourselves. Many second-generation youths still support their families and even choose to stay at home while paying off debt and building a career.
Full-time daycare typically will set a family back $1,600 to $3,500 per month ($19,200 to $42,000 annually), which rivals the cost of renting an apartment. However, within the past year Mayor Mamdani has revitalized the Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education (OCCECE). NYC now offers universal childcare for every child as early as 6 weeks and up to 5 years.
The OCCECE also provides an opportunity for childcare workers, with certified teaching applications available on their website, including “Study-Plan” teaching positions. These are full-time teaching opportunities alongside training to complete the NYS Early Childhood Education certification within 3 years. There are even positions available for youth 18 and above and those who have high school diplomas or GEDs.
This program provides support to families and offers full-time employment for youth, which is notoriously difficult to find in NYC. With the recent wave of progressives recently elected in several states, programs like the OCCECE can serve as a blueprint, and show the working youth what is possible to have in their state, too.
By Saumya V.
