Brian Lerr on WNYC, let's talk now to a key player in the Mamdani administration whose name you might not yet know.

What you probably do know is that expanding childcare, early

childhood education and childcare generally, was a central focus of Mayor Mumdani's campaign. And even as

the tax, the rich debate continues for funding a universal system, they're starting to build

toward this in ways they already can

and that haven't gotten much press.

For example, the first standalone city-run early childhood center for this era opened on the

Upper East Side earlier this month.

That center adds 72 new pre-K seats and 60 new 3K seats to that area. It'll double

the child care spots for four-year-olds and quadruple the number for three-year-olds in the zip

code. I'm told that's according to the Education News website, Chalkbeat. The center has been seven months in the making.

And one note about this before we bring in our guest, just as a public service announcement,

Friday is the final day for parents to apply to New York City's 3K and pre-K programs

for next school year, the 26-27 school year.

So get it in.

I know the administration is trying to get the word out.

So everybody knows at least that you have that option, but you do also have that deadline.

And so joining us now to amplify that and to talk about

expanding child care generally is Emmy Liss executive director of the mayor's office of child care.

Yes, there is such a thing. Emmy, thanks very much for coming on. Welcome to WNYC.

Thanks so much for having me, Brian.

You want to start with the immediate PSA, the deadline this Friday? Who is eligible to apply?

...