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NYC Early Childhood Education Lead to Depart Post

Deputy Chancellor Simone Hawkins will step down in September after a two-year tenure overseeing the city's youngest learners.

By Staff ReportPublished Aug 3, 2026, 5:36 PMUpdated Aug 3, 2026, 11:29 PM
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Simone Hawkins, the Deputy Chancellor of New York City Public Schools, is set to leave her post in September, according to city officials. Hawkins has led the Division of Early Childhood Education for the past two years, a period marked by the management of 3-K and pre-K programs, as well as the development of the city's upcoming 2-K initiative.

Appointed in 2024, Hawkins oversaw the expansion of early childhood services and the activation of previously vacant school facilities. In a public statement, she expressed pride in her team's work, noting that the new 2-K program is intended to provide affordable childcare options for city families.

Chancellor Kamar Samuels acknowledged Hawkins' contributions, specifically highlighting her efforts to address long-standing payment delays that have affected childcare providers. Despite these efforts, providers have continued to report concerns regarding the consistency of city payments throughout her tenure.

As the city approaches the launch of the first 2,000 seats for the 2-K program this fall, the Department of Education has not yet disclosed the reasons for Hawkins' departure or identified a successor to lead the division.

Reaction to the news has been mixed among city leadership. Bronx City Councilmember Eric Dinowitz took to social media to commend Hawkins' performance, describing her departure as a significant loss for the school system.

City officials have provided no further details regarding the transition plan for the division as the new school year nears.

Where it happened

New York City

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