Abigail Kramer

FirstStepNYC is part-school, part-social service agency. As New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani seeks to expand the city’s unwieldy early childhood programs, FirstStepNYC’s founder thinks his administration should look to the program as a model.

In the Bronx and Brooklyn, some certified teachers start at less than $36,000 a year — close to $30,000 less than at public schools. “It’s just a complete lack of respect,” said preschool teacher Rebecca Schneider-Kaplan. “I needed two degrees to become an early childhood educator, but I cannot afford to pay back my loans because I don’t make enough money.”

Nearly 50% of the city's low-income child care vouchers were used in just two Brooklyn neighborhoods — each home to politically powerful Orthodox Jewish communities.

New York City promised to integrate public schools. So far, it's vaunted 'Diversity in Admissions' program has made little impact.

New York City overhauled its subsidized child care system, promising better outcomes for low-income kids. But many providers say they are on the verge of collapse.

Together, behavioral psychology and neuroscience are reshaping our understanding of the damage caused by trauma in early childhood.

As New York City's housing crisis grows even bigger, researchers warn about the long-term consequences.

Chronic stress can stunt young children's brain development, changing the trajectories of their lives.

A new program teaches biological and foster parents about the science of development.

Chaos and upheaval can derail a baby's development. A new Family Court project in the Bronx aims to get kids back on track.