NY announces more funding for ‘child care deserts’

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Federal funding is now available to address child care deserts in New York.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday that applications are open for newly licensed, registered, and permitted child care programs.

$70 million is going to help areas of the state that don’t have enough child care slots for families. The money is coming from the $100 million child care desert initiative approved in the 2021 Enacted Budget, which originally came from the American Rescue Plan Act.

The money will help businesses cover the costs to hire, recruit, train and retain staff. The governor’s office said award announcements will be made in June.

All applicants must complete the New York State Office of Children and Family Services’ online orientation before they can apply. Grants can be submitted through May 19. Click here for more information.