New York City Public Schools Issues New Head Start Request For Information

NEW YORK – New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) today issued a Request for Information (RFI) to inform the delivery of Head Start and Early Head Start services as part of this administration’s broader strategy to strengthen early childhood programs across the city.  

Recently, New York City Public Schools applied for a Federal Head Start and Early Start Grant. This RFI is being issued in anticipation of potentially receiving an award notice so that the City can be prepared for the next phase of implementation to ensure high-quality care for New York’s youngest learners. If the city receives the federal award, then we look forward to moving through the selection process. If the city does not receive the federal award, the Adams administration is committing to stabilizing existing NYCPS-supported Head Start and Early Head Start programs. 

Information sessions will be made available for interested respondents, with dates and details included in the RFI. Interested parties may review the RFI and submit responses through the City Record Online (CROL) here. As this is non-binding and voluntary, not all providers who respond to the RFI will necessarily be selected for participation.  

“I know firsthand the importance of a strong early childhood program. As a mom, I needed to feel comfortable knowing I was leaving my daughter with a safe, trusted adult who was well-equipped to help her learn throughout the day,” said Schools Chancellor Aviles-Ramos. “New York City Public Schools is deeply committed to the future of Head Start and to ensuring every family that needs a seat will have access to high-quality early childhood education.”   

This is part of the City’s broader effort to ensure that early childhood services - particularly those serving low-income families - remain stable, responsive, and aligned with community needs. This RFI comes on the heels of the Adams administration’s recent historic $170 million investment in early childhood programs, with much of those funds supporting pre-K students with disabilities and a citywide 3K expansion. Additionally, last year, Mayor Eric Adams and the New York City Council announced a joint effort to strengthen early childhood programs and address longstanding systemic issues, while creating greater awareness of and access to pre-K and 3-K seats. A $100 million investment in the FY 2025 Adopted Budget supported the implementation of a roadmap for outreach and seat allocation and brought the total investment in early childhood education up to $3 billion.  

Important Note for Interested Respondents: 

This RFI is being issued in anticipation of receiving federal funding through the competitive Head Start and Early Head Start grant process. While we welcome interest and engagement from current and potential providers, respondents should be aware that participation in this RFI does not guarantee selection or funding. Final decisions of vendor selection will be made after RFI submission review and implementation is contingent upon the outcome of the federal grant award. NYCPS values the time and resources that providers invest, and is committed to transparency throughout this process. 

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Contact: Chancellor’s Press Office press@schools.nyc.gov