Inside The Little Apple: NYC's First Free Childcare Center for City Workers

High-quality child care is out of reach for many New York City families. According to a 2024 policy report from 5BORO, 80% of NYC families can't afford child care for even one child under the federal affordability standard.

But the city just opened a new path forward: The Little Apple, its first free child care center for municipal workers, located right where they work. The center provides free, year-round, on-site child care for eligible families. These families can save up to $20,000 a year while knowing their babies and toddlers are safe, cared for, and close by.

Let’s take a closer look at the story behind The Little Apple and Kaplan’s supporting role in bringing the child care center to life.

Inside The Little Apple, New York City’s first free child care center for city workers

The New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) launched The Little Apple as a pilot child care center, in partnership with Imagine Early Learning Centers. The initiative provides free, high-quality child care for city employees and their families right where they work.

Here are a few things to know about the new child care center:

• Children served: 40 children, six weeks to three years
• Location: The ground floor of the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building
• Space and layout: The 4,000-square-foot facility features four classrooms, plus a pantry, teacher’s lounge, and stroller storage room
• Educational philosophy: Play-based, research-backed learning that supports the whole child—socially, emotionally, and academically

The Little Apple gives young children a joyful new space to learn, play, and build friendships. For working families, it means no longer having to choose between quality care and making ends meet.

Why it matters for New York City families—and the programs that serve them

High-quality child care is a significant financial burden for many New York City families. The Little Apple child care program helps City workers manage the cost of living so they can better balance work and family. The city gets something back too. Employees can show up, be productive, and focus on their work, knowing their little ones are happy and cared for just downstairs.

The program also signals a tangible step toward affordable and accessible child care in New York City. For other NYC-based child care centers, The Little Apple offers a working model to watch: partnerships that could bring new funding, better pay for educators, and the operational support to thrive for years to come. While the path to expansion is unclear, The Little Apple is a real example of what public investment in child care can look like.

Kaplan’s supporting role in The Little Apple’s story

Every child deserves high-quality care paired with a learning environment that supports their growth and development. That’s why we partnered with Imagine Early Learning Centers to furnish The Little Apple’s classroom for two-year-olds.

The space features pieces from our Sense of Place and Sense of Place for Wee Ones collections, modular furniture lines designed to create a calming, home-like classroom. Developed by Sandra Duncan, PhD, an expert in early childhood environmental design, the collection combines soft, cozy surfaces, natural hardwoods, and layered textures with flexible components that adapt to children’s play patterns.

The Little Apple isn't Kaplan's only connection to New York City's early childhood community. From DOE-aligned classroom furnishings to playground design, we've worked alongside programs across the five boroughs to help build spaces where children can learn and grow. We're glad this is one more classroom in that story. Learn how Kaplan partners with New York City childcare programs to bring high-quality care to all.