LINC Applauds Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani for Historic Universal Childcare Commitment—Calls for Early Literacy to Be Built in From Day One

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK, NY — Literacy in Community (LINC) applauds Governor Kathy Hochul’s announcement advancing New York State toward universal childcare and celebrates Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s leadership in moving New York City closer to delivering on this long-standing promise to families. Together, these commitments represent one of the most significant investments in children, families, and the early childhood workforce in a generation.

Universal childcare will bring long-overdue relief to families navigating rising costs, stabilize a long-underpaid workforce, and strengthen New York’s economic future. LINC is proud to stand with state and city leaders in recognizing child care as essential infrastructure—one that families and communities have waited decades to see realized.

At the same time, LINC urges policymakers to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ensure universal childcare is designed not only as a workforce support, but as a child development system—with early literacy built in from day one.

“Universal childcare will transform affordability for families,” said Shari Levine, Executive Director of Literacy in Community. “But universal literacy is what will transform children’s futures. This is the moment to build both together.”

Decades of research show that the years from birth to age five are the most critical period for brain development. Language exposure, responsive relationships, and early literacy experiences during this window shape cognitive growth, executive functioning, and long-term academic, social, and health outcomes. In New York City—where far too many children, particularly those affected by poverty, struggle to read proficiently—integrating literacy into early care is both an educational necessity and a moral imperative.

“Imagine what this moment could mean for the future of our children,” said Eliana Godoy, Deputy Executive Director of Literacy in Community. “If every child, from birth, were surrounded by rich language, strong relationships, and the gift of literacy, we would be equipping an entire generation with the tools they need to learn, lead, and solve the most pressing challenges of their time. Universal childcare gives us the reach. Universal literacy gives children the foundation to thrive.”

With universal childcare expanding across New York State and New York City, the infrastructure to reach children early and consistently is finally within reach. Embedding literacy into childcare settings—through provider training, family engagement, and partnerships with community-based organizations—will ensure this historic investment delivers on its full promise.

Since 1996, LINC has partnered with libraries, WIC centers, shelters, hospitals, schools, and community organizations across New York City to equip parents and caregivers with the tools to nurture their children’s literacy from birth. Since 2014, LINC has served as the lead partner for City’s First Readers, the New York City Council’s only early literacy initiative, coordinating a coalition of 17 organizations delivering evidence-based literacy programming in some of the city’s highest-poverty neighborhoods.

LINC applauds Governor Hochul’s robust investments in childcare assistance, workforce compensation, and universal early learning, as well as Mayor Mamdani’s commitment to inclusive childcare that serves families, providers, and children with disabilities. With this leadership, New York has a rare opportunity to lead the nation once again—by ensuring universal childcare and universal literacy move forward together.