Large Number of Counties Shut Down Applications for New York's Largest Child Care Financial Aid Program
Struggles Persist in New York's Child Care Assistance Program
The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) in New York continues to grapple with funding shortages, despite significant financial inputs from federal, state, and local sources. The program, which provides affordable childcare for over 100,000 low- and middle-income families, has seen a decline in funding levels since peaking during the pandemic.
In the recently passed state budget, an additional $350 million was allocated to New York City and $50 million to the rest of the state. However, the impact on the program has been minimal, with many counties still facing challenges.
Enrollment remains a concern, with 37 counties keeping their enrollment open as of early July. Yet, many counties are reluctant to accept new applicants due to funding uncertainties. Four counties have even suggested they might have to turn down parents later in the month.
The state Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) has published data on the program online following a request under the Freedom of Information Law. According to this data, thirteen counties are maintaining waitlists, with New York City alone having 1,500 families on its waitlist. The $50 million in new funding for child care vouchers outside of New York City will not be accessible until March 2023, as per an OCFS memo.
The funding shortfall has led to numerous families being denied assistance, placing a significant financial strain on them. For instance, a single mother reported having to withdraw her child from daycare when her CCAP application was denied.
Advocates argue that the state Child Care Assistance Program needs a bigger, permanent investment to meet growing demand and expanded eligibility. They also emphasize the need to address regulations attached to the $50 million funding, such as the requirement for counties to spend their entire existing allocation first before accessing the new funds.
Governor Kathy Hochul has made the expansion of child care a priority, having quadrupled spending on the program to $1.1 billion in recent years. However, her plan to expand the city's existing universal pre-K programs to cover every child between 6 weeks and 5 years old is estimated to cost between $5 billion and $7 billion annually.
As the state continues to navigate these challenges, organisations like the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy are monitoring budget negotiations, emphasizing the need for sustained investments to reduce child poverty and expand universal childcare access across New York State.
- In New York, the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is still dealing with funding shortages, despite receiving financial inputs from various sources, including the state, federal, and local levels.
- Despite the recent state budget allocation of $350 million to New York City and $50 million to the rest of the state, many counties are still facing challenges in the CCAP.
- Enrollment remains a concern, with 37 counties keeping their enrollment open as of early July, and many counties reluctant to accept new applicants due to funding uncertainties.
- As of the latest data published online by the state Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), thirteen counties are maintaining waitlists, with New York City alone having 1,500 families on its waitlist.
- The funding shortfall in the CCAP has resulted in numerous families being denied assistance, placing a significant financial strain on them, such as a single mother who had to withdraw her child from daycare when her CCAP application was denied.
- Advocates are calling for a bigger, permanent investment in the state Child Care Assistance Program to meet growing demand and expanded eligibility, urging the state to address regulations attached to the $50 million funding, including the requirement for counties to spend their entire existing allocation first before accessing the new funds.
