Become an Oasis for Families with the Child Care Deserts Grant

Our region is peppered with child care deserts. In fact, more than 60% of the state is considered a child care desert. (source: NYS OCFS Child Care Deserts Map Instructional Video) Click on the mapping tool and you will find shades of medium to dark brown, indicating the higher scores of a child care desert. 

The standard definition of a child care desert involves not having enough licensed/registered child day care slots to adequately serve the number of children in a geographic area. That is why New York has announced a grant opportunity to assist and support the development of new child care programs in areas with the least supply. The Invest in New York - Child Care Deserts Grant makes funding available to new licensed, registered, or permitted child care programs in areas of the state identified as child care deserts.

The application is open now until May 19 for new providers who have completed their orientation, received their facility ID, and are ready to apply! Be sure your correct address is on file with your OCFS assigned regulator prior to applying.

There are 5 steps to apply:

Step 1: Review Licensing and Grant Requirements

Step 2: Determine the Taxpayer Identification Number, Type, Legal Business Name and Business Entity Type

Step 3: Attend Technical Assistance Sessions

Step 4: Complete Grant Application Submission

Step 5: Complete Licensing and Contracting

Find full descriptions of the 5 steps on the NYS OCFS Deserts Grant Application page.

For a detailed explanation of the grant application process, read the RFA, section 5.0, Application Content and Submission: Invest in NY – Child Care Deserts Request for Application (RFA)