To Enhance Care, NY Day Care Programs Can Apply for Grants Up to $1.5 Million

By Yehudit Garmaise

Free parking spots, more security cameras, safer doors, backyard and indoor play equipment, and help with permits to bus students are some of the ways one Boro Park playgroup owner can envision using one of the state’s new grants will range from $500,000 to $1.5 million. 

“Very few programs approved bus permits, which would be helpful” said the heimish playgroup owner, who would like to create an additional day care site. 

Coming from capital funds, which provide money for investments, have been directed to the Child Care Capital Program (CCCP), Gov. Hochul, who has long advocated for affordable childcare, secured a treasure of $50 million in the form of grants for child care programs.

The playgroup owner, who is interested in applying for a grant, previously received a state grant to increase security at her locations, but she said the process of receiving the funds was not easy.

“It took us three years to figure it out, but finally we did it,” she said. “We got approved for $100,000 to install cameras and safer doors that lock.

“We are just finishing up the paperwork, but the funds only covered half of my doors.” 

Starting on March 31, 2024, child care business owners can apply for the CCCP grants by applying through the New York State Grants Gateway, which will announce the awards on or after July 15, 2024.

The grants will reimburse daycare owners for the expenses incurred by any design, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, equipment that enhances their care and provides more openings for children, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday. 

To qualify for a grant, each program must be intended to be used for the purposes of child care for at least eight years. 

Projects must demonstrate the ability to be licensed and fully operational within six months of completing construction.

In addition, eligible businesses that create, for their employees, more spaces for infants and toddlers will receive $50 million in business tax credits for two years.

Under New York’s new tax credit program, businesses that provide new licensed and registered child day care seats for the infants or toddlers of their employees, either directly or through a third-party, can apply for the credits. 

To be eligible, the businesses must provide child care for the children of their  employees at reduced costs.

To receive tax credits for child care seats that were created in 2023, NY child care center can apply at the start of the new calendar year: from Jan. 1 to Jan 31, 2024.