New childcare program could help hundreds of Warren County families

Jul. 27—Governor Kathy Hochul with U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand at the Club Fed Child Care Center in Albany, launched ny.gov/childcare, a digital portal to help make free or low-cost child care more accessible to eligible families statewide through New York State'sChild Care Assistance Program.

This new initiative follows the $1.8 billion state and federal investment in the Child Care Assistance Program outlined in the FY25 Enacted Budget.

Currently, Warren County Child Care provides daycare subsidies to approximately 231 families and 361 children. The increased eligibility will allow more families in the county.

"The expansion of the program supports our working families and recognizes the importance of investing in quality providers. Improving the accessibility, affordability, and quality of child care assistance, promotes child safety and development and is an investment in our workforce," said Christina Mastrianni, Warren County Social Services Commissioner.

The state's new digital portal makes it easier for families statewide to apply for Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which covers at least 90 percent of child care costs for most eligible families. That means most eligible families of four will pay no more than $15 per week — saving families thousands of dollars in annual child care costs

The eligibility requirements for a family of four changed in June 2024 statewide as well. A family of four making less than $108,631.70 annually would be eligible for a childcare subsidy.

The online portal allows families to complete the application entirely online, including uploading necessary documents, asking questions, and getting approval information. The information for the portal will also be available in the future on the Warren County Department of Social Services website under Child Care.

"I'm happy that we are able to provide daycare subsidies to so many families that are working hard to make ends meet. Daycare costs are high all over the county, and being able to reach and help so many families with these costs is exciting," said Janet Pratt, Supervisor of Preventive Services and Daycare for Warren County.

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