New York City officials have opened applications for a new free child care pilot program for municipal employees. Called “The Little Apple,” it is the city’s first initiative of its kind, designed to provide on-site child care services for working parents in public service while reducing financial pressure and improving workplace support. 

About the New Infant and Toddler Care Center Program 

The initiative will offer full-day, full-year, on-site child care inside a city government building in Lower Manhattan.

Key details of the program include:

• Program name: The Little Apple

• Location: David N. Dinkins Municipal Building, 1 Centre Street, Lower Manhattan

• Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• Capacity: Around 40 children

• Age group: 6 weeks to 3 years old

• Completion of facility: Expected Fall 2026 after a $10 million renovation

• Size of center: Approximately 4,000 square feet

The space is currently being renovated to create a dedicated, modern child care facility within the municipal building.

Eligibility Requirements

The program is limited to specific city employees and age groups. Eligible applicants must meet all requirements: 

• Be a full-time DCAS employee, regardless of work location
  OR
• Be a full-time city employee assigned to 1 Centre Street

And also:

• Be a parent or legal guardian of a child aged:
  • 6 weeks old (as of Sept. 1, 2026)
  • Up to 3 years old (as of Dec. 31, 2026)

Selection will be conducted through a random lottery system, and applicants not selected will be placed on a waitlist.

Application Timelines 

The application process is now open with a clear schedule: 

• Applications open: Now
• Deadline: May 15, 2026
• Selection method: Random lottery
• Notification of results: June 2026

How to Apply for the New Lower Manhattan Child Care Center

Applicants must complete the official city application process as announced by NYC officials. During submission, you will typically need:

• Employee details (department, work status)
• Proof of eligibility as a full-time city employee
• Child’s age and guardian information
• Contact information for communication

Apply online here: Visit the official NYC application website to submit your application. 

After applications close:

• A random lottery system will be used to select families
• This ensures a fair and unbiased selection process
• If you are not selected, you will automatically be placed on a waitlist
• Selected families will be notified in June 2026
• Notifications will be sent directly to applicants
• If selected, you will receive further instructions for enrollment

If chosen, you will need to complete final enrollment steps before the program begins. This includes confirming your child care placement and submitting any required documents. You will then prepare for the new free child care pilot program when the facility opens in Fall 2026. 

FAQs

Is the child care center already open?

No. The program is not operational yet. The center is currently under renovation inside the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building and is expected to open in Fall 2026.

Can I apply if my child is not yet born? 

Yes, you can apply if your child is not yet born, as long as they meet the age requirements by the set dates. Your child must be at least 6 weeks old by September 1, 2026, and under 3 years old by December 31, 2026.

Does applying guarantee a spot?

No. Submitting an application does not guarantee enrollment. Selection is done through a random lottery system, and only about 40 children will be accepted.

Can employees from other NYC departments apply? 

Yes, you can apply only if you are a full-time DCAS employee or a full-time city employee assigned to 1 Centre Street. Other NYC employees are not eligible. 

Can I stay on a waitlist if I am not selected?

Yes. All non-selected applicants are automatically placed on a waitlist and may be contacted if a spot opens.

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