Our Youngest New Yorkers Infographic

Published December, 2015

Research shows that the first five years of a child’s life are critically important to long-term health and development. Important steps have been taken over the past two decades to improve conditions for our youngest New Yorkers and their families.

• The rate of infant deaths in New York City has been reduced by half.
• Over 30,000 referrals are made each year to Early Intervention services for children under three with developmental delays.
• 65,000 four-year-olds are enrolled in NYC’s Pre-K for All program.

There is still more to be done, however, and CCC’s latest infographic on our youngest New Yorkers examines the data available about the needs of young children in New York City. We must ensure that every child under five has access to the services and supports needed to thrive.

• There are 560,000 children under age five in New York City, and half of them live in or near poverty.
• 1 in 2 children who slept in a homeless shelter last year was under age five.
• Over 60,000 children ages four months to five years were reported in the most recent NYC Community Health Survey to have a professional express concern with the child’s behavior, development, or growth.
• 90% of children ages two to five who were reported to have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder live in poverty.