NYCHA’s child care centers are in need of massive repairs

The New York City Housing Authority’s child care centers are in desperate need of repair, according to a new report from The City.

A lack of heating, mold and pests are among the problems facing the public housing authority’s 400 child care centers, which providers have been complaining about for years now. Providers are hopeful that the city will pay attention to these ongoing issues as they pose a significant risk to the young children who go to NYCHA’s child care centers. 

The centers, which have been dealing with the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, have also been criticizing NYCHA for not adequately assisting with necessary repairs, many of which providers have had to pay for themselves. 

More federal funding is needed to adequately fix these ongoing issues, according to child care advocates, such as Nora Moran, director of policy and advocacy at the United Neighborhood Houses, who told The City she hopes that more money for NYCHA’s child care centers will be included in the federal legislature’s Build Back Better bill. “It’s no secret that there are capital issues at NYCHA,” Moran said.