On Monday, June 16, in front of City Hall, the American Heart Association proudly stood in solidarity with New Yorkers United for Child Care at their “Father’s Day Cookout” rally. The rally was a powerful gathering of parents, advocates, and elected officials demanding real investment in universal childcare. Some of the speakers at the event included Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Day Care Council of New York’s Chief Policy & Innovation Officer, Gregory Brender, and Council Member Shahana Hanif.
Among the speakers was also Syed Bhuiyan, Senior Community Impact Director, American Heart Association NYC. Bhuiyan spoke as a representative for the Association, and as a father joining the movement to provide accessible early childhood care and education in New York City.
Bhuiyan cited research highlighting the direct link between early childhood education and long-term health. “Investing in early childhood programs isn’t just a family issue – it’s a public health issue,” he said. He referenced research from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which found that children who attend early learning programs are more likely to grow up healthier and earn more over their lifetimes. A study in Science further supported the research that high-quality early education can reduce risks of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases later in life.
The affordability crisis that many New York City families are facing was also addressed at the rally. Bhuiyan referenced a survey published in 2022, which indicated after the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of affordable childcare led nearly half of mothers with young children to leave the workforce.
While the Mayor’s Executive Budget proposes to baseline 3-K funding – a positive step, indeed – New Yorkers are calling for more. With nearly 80% of city residents supporting expanded infant and toddler care, the rally’s demands were clear:
- $25 million to fund 1,000 seats for 2-year-olds across all five boroughs.
- $60 million to add 3,500 seats for children under age 2.
The American Heart Association remains committed to policies that improve health and equity, and that starts by investing in our youngest New Yorkers and meeting families where they are.