Grand Street Settlement Early Childhood Centers

NYCR-CDE provided $20 million in New Markets Tax Credit financing to fund working capital and operating costs of seven new Head Start early childhood education centers in Brooklyn and the Bronx. 

The new centers will be run by Grand Street Settlement (Grand Street), one of the largest and most impactful social services organizations in New York City. Grand Street offers safe and nurturing early childhood education programs for children from age 6 weeks to 5 years. The financing will help further Grand Street’s mission to expand access to affordable child care for low-income families in New York City.

The new early childhood centers are in the Sunset Park section of Brooklyn and the Pelham Parkway, Mount Eden, Mott Haven, West Farms, and Crotona Park neighborhoods in the Bronx.   The capital is funding the fit out of four new facilities with the capacity to serve 292 children and expanding the capacity of three existing facilities to accommodate 177 children. Grand Street has been providing quality programs and services to children and families in need for 109 years. This is the first time the non-profit is providing its services in the Bronx. 

Grand Street was established in 1916 to support families of immigrants arriving in New York City seeking housing and employment opportunities. Today, Grand Street serves over 18,000 New Yorkers and has grown exponentially over the past decade, with a network of over 45 community centers, schools, and partnership sites supporting underserved neighborhoods throughout New York City. Grand Street centers employ a hands-on learning approach that encourages children to follow their curiosity and explore through play. Children with physical and learning disabilities are supported by expert staff in integrated classrooms to ensure a safe and comprehensive learning environment.

“This New Markets Tax Credit investment is more than a financial transaction. It is a bold commitment to the future of children and families in New York City. Thanks to the creativity and dedication of our partners, we now have greater capacity to expand critical early childhood programs where families need them most.”

– Robert Cordero, Chief Executive Officer, Grand Street Settlement