Beyond the factors that shape parents’ choice of care, the survey also asked which measures of qual- ity are most important to them. Health and safety standards ranked first, selected by 54 percent of parents as one of their top three measures of quality (Figure 15). Several other factors — educator credentials, opportunities for outdoor play, small class sizes, and focus on school readiness — rank among the next most important, selected at similar rates. While cultural responsiveness, defined as a program that reflects their culture and language, ranks lower overall at 19 percent, this is considerably more important to parents who primarily speak a language other than English or Spanish at home. One-third of these parents included cultural responsiveness among their top three most important measures of quality. Addressing cost and flexibility would make the biggest difference. When parents are asked the open-ended question, "What changes to child care in New York City would help your family the most?," the top response is lower costs. Nearly four in ten parents (38 percent) with children under six cite either greater affordability (22 percent), free or universal child care (11 per- cent), or other financial assistance such as child care subsidies or vouchers (8 percent). The second most common theme that emerges relates to greater flexibility. More than one in ten (11 percent) par- ents cite extended or more flexible hours of care, such as coverage for after-school hours, part-time care, evenings, and weekends. A further six percent of parents say greater access to 2-K, 3-K or Pre-K programs, noting the need for additional spots and shorter waitlists. A smaller share of parents — 4 percent and 3 percent, respectively — say that greater safety and oversight and longer paid family leave would help them most. “Child care costs in New York City are so high that I had to stop working to care for my child full time. More affordable options for children under age 3 — especially part-time programs — would help families like mine stay connected to the workforce while still allowing for a gradual transition into classroom settings before 3K. Right now there is a major gap between staying home and accessing affordable early education.” Mom of one living in Manhattan
THE 2026 NEW YORK CITY PARENT SURVEY : WHAT CHILD CARE PARENTS WANT 30
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