NEW YORK, NY (Sept. 29th, 2026) – The New York City Council’s Subcommittee on Early Childhood Education, chaired by Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez, held a hearing yesterday on supporting multilingual learners in early childhood education programs.

The hearing brought together early childhood education providers, the administration and multiple stakeholders to discuss the importance of strengthening multilingual and dual-language programming across the city, addressing access, and ensuring that children and families receive the language support they need.

Providers emphasized the shared commitment across the early childhood education sector to expanding multilingual and dual-language programs. However, significant gaps remain in access to these programs, and additional investment and agency coordination are needed to strengthen existing services and improve how the City supports multilingual learners. Testimony also highlighted the importance of expanding bilingual special education services and ensuring that children with disabilities who are multilingual learners receive appropriate, culturally and linguistically responsive support.

The hearing also marked the first appearance of Deputy Chancellor for Early Childhood Education Erica Phillips before the Subcommittee, alongside Emmy Liss, Executive Director of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Child Care. Their participation provided an opportunity to discuss how the City Council and Administration can work together to strengthen multilingual learning opportunities and support early childhood education providers and families.

The Subcommittee also heard Resolution 650-2026, introduced by Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez opposing the federal government’s proposed changes to Head Start regulations which would require Head Start education to be conducted in English and remove bilingual education standards . “At Tuesday’s hearing, we heard from the Mamdani Administration, the City Council and advocates the undeniable value of multilingual support services and accessibility in early childhood education. Head Start has provided generations of children, including those from immigrant families, with a necessary foundation. Supporting a child’s home language helps them participate, communicate and have the tools to eventually learn English” said Council Member Jennifer Gutierrez.