Applications Open For $70 Million In Funding To Address NY Child Care Deserts

Pixabay / MGN

ALBANY, N.Y. (WENY) – Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $70 million in federal grant funding is available to newly licensed, registered or permitted child care programs in areas of the state without sufficient child care slots, known as child care deserts.

The funds are being made available through the American Rescue Plan Act and will be administered by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

“After announcing a historic $7 billion investment in child care as part of the State Budget, I am thrilled that applications are now open for $70 million in federal funding to support new child care programs and address child care deserts across New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “Bolstering child care has been a tenet of my administration since day one. All parents deserve access to high-quality child care regardless of where they live, and this funding will help address critical child care shortages in underserved areas—supporting parents as they pursue an education, thrive in the workforce, and contribute to New York State’s economic rebirth.”





The funds will help new child care providers in underserved areas. These include start up, personnel, and support staff costs.

Grant applications can be submitted until May 19th with award announcements slated for June.

The opening of the child care deserts grant portal follows the passage of the 2023 budget, which includes a historic investment to expand access to high-quality child care to support children and families and help stimulate New York State’s continued economic recovery.





















It includes $7 billion investment over four years and increases the income eligibility threshold for child care subsidies to 300 percent of the federal poverty level, extending eligibility to more than half of New York State’s young children.

 

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