NYS Office of Children and Family Services Announces $70 Million in Federal Funds to Address Child Care Deserts

Funding will support new child care programs in the Capital Region

Applications Open Mid-April 2022

Today the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) announced that $70 million in grant funding is available to new licensed, registered, or permitted child care programs in areas of the state with the least supply, known as child care deserts. The funds, which are part of a $100 million child care initiative approved in the 2021 Enacted Budget, are being made available through the American Rescue Plan Act and will be administered by OCFS. Providers interested in opening a new child care program should watch the orientation video and request an application so that they may apply when the application portal opens in April.

Brightside Up is excited to partner with New York State to launch the Invest in NY Child Care grant program. Addressing child care shortages is central to our mission, and we stand ready to assist all interested programs with the licensing process so they can access these much-needed funds.

The grants will support new child care providers in creating their child care program and in recruiting, retaining, and training staff to meet workforce demands. Grant recipients can also use the funding to support start-up expenses, personnel costs, general child care business expenses, and staff expenses in accessing COVID-19 vaccines. Additional details on eligibility and requirements of the grant can be found in the Request for Applications.

Applicants must have submitted their request for an application for a license before grant application submission. All applicants must complete the OCFS or the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH) online orientation before applying at https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/providers/cdc-orientation.php. Once the orientation is completed, applicants can request a licensing application. Please visit the OCFS website here for more information and to apply for the grant.

Programs applying to become an NYCDOHMH Article 47 day care center must attend a pre-permit orientation before applying for a new permit (check the box next to “Group Child Care and Summer Camp Orientation Sessions,” then click “Continue” at the bottom of the page).

Applicants needing assistance with starting child care programs can contact their county’s OCFS Regional Office (https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/regional-offices.php) or their local child care resource and referral (CCR&R), which can help with the licensing process.

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