ByJaysha Patel
Thursday, September 10, 2026 11:02PM
Crystal Cranmore has details on the new school year.
NEW YORK CITY (WABC) –Thousands of New York City students returned to school Thursday as city leaders launched the first phase of the city’s free 2-K program and rolled out new restrictions on artificial intelligence and classroom screen time.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels announced the start of the free 2-K program, a key piece of the administration’s effort to expand access to child care.
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New York City Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels answers your questions at the Eyewitness News Back to School Town Hall.
The program is launching in select neighborhoods and offers free, full-day, year-round care from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., 260 days a year. About 2,000 children are expected to enroll this year, with officials aiming to expand to roughly 12,000 seats next year.
The launch coincides with major changes in New York City classrooms. Under a one-year moratorium announced last week, students in 2-K through eighth grade will not be allowed to use generative artificial intelligence tools while city officials study how the technology should be incorporated into education.
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Marcus Solis reports from Washington Heights with more on the city’s kickoff of its free 2-K program.
Students will also see reduced screen time this school year. Children in grades three through five will be limited to 30 minutes of daily screen use, while middle school students will be capped at 45 minutes. Students in second grade and younger will not receive individual screen time.
Some parents have welcomed the move, arguing students should strengthen critical thinking and research skills before relying on artificial intelligence.
The mayor also announced a package of administrative and technology upgrades that he says will save the school system more than $100 million over the next two years. The plan includes overhauling outdated technology, improving how schools purchase supplies and cutting unnecessary contracts.
Families participating in the new 2-K program say the free child care could provide significant financial relief. City officials said schools have begun reaching out to families on waitlists as enrollment continues and the program expands.
ALSO WATCH | Technology top of mind as NYC students head back to school Thursday
CeFaan Kim has more on the mix of excitement and dread on the last night before New York City students head back to school.
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Related Topics
- EDUCATION
- NEW YORK CITY
- ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
