NYC child-care abuse reports jump as mayor expands pre-K slots

According to the most recent Mayor’s Management Report, New York City recorded 564 child-care abuse allegations, with 24.4% deemed substantiated—almost double the 13.1% rate from the previous fiscal year. The Administration for Children’s Services admitted it has not identified the cause of the surge and is working with child-protection leaders to investigate. Councilman Frank Morano urged the city council to hold an immediate hearing to obtain answers for parents.

The increase comes after disturbing incidents, including the arrest of Brooklyn day-care teacher Devonte Brown for molesting four girls and the closure of the Eva Crèche Day Care after videos showed staff mistreating children. Despite the expansion of free 2-K and 3-K slots under Mayor Mamdani, enrollment in the 3-K program dropped to 43,678 and free pre-K fell to 55,042, both below the administration’s goals. A new state funding commitment will move over 10,000 low-income children off the voucher waitlist, but the rising abuse rate raises concerns about safety in the expanding system.