ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN’S SERVICES HITS THE STREETS FOR A ‘DAY OF ACTION,’ ENCOURAGING NEW YORK CITY FAMILIES TO APPLY FOR CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE

 

ACS is Now Accepting Applications for Child Care Vouchers from Low-Income Families Citywide

New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) Commissioner Jess Dannhauser and the ACS hit the streets for a ‘day of action,’ in an effort to increase knowledge of and access to child care vouchers. City workers mobilized in neighborhoods across the city disseminating information about child care vouchers and how to apply. Parents across New York City with limited income can apply for help paying for child care no matter where they live. Access to child care is critical for parents to be able to participate in the workforce or pursue education and for children to receive the developmental, educational, and social benefits they need to thrive.

 

“Every parent and guardian knows how crucial reliable child care is to help families thrive in NYC.  It allows working moms, dads, guardians, and family members the chance to engage in the economy, knowing their little ones are in a safe, nurturing environment, said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom.  However, we know that the cost of child care can pose significant financial burdens.  This program helps level the playing field for families and gives them a dependable option as part of their childcare plan.  I strongly encourage every eligible family to consider applying for this program. “

 

“It’s essential for New York City families to have access to high-quality, affordable child care and that’s why we are spreading the word and making sure that families who are eligible know how to apply for these vouchers,” said ACS Commissioner Dannhauser. “We are hopeful that our ‘day of action’ will encourage more and more families to apply for this much-needed assistance.”

 

Earlier this year, Mayor Adams released “Accessible, Equitable, High-Quality, Affordable: A Blueprint for Child Care & Early Education in New York City,” which outlined essential steps to provide high-quality, equitable, and affordable child care for families across New York City, including by increasing access to child care vouchers for low-income families. After successful advocacy by New York City, the state of New York recently raised the income eligibility from 200 percent of the federal poverty level to 300 percent of the federal poverty level. For instance, a family of four earning less than $83,250 may now be eligible for child care vouchers, compared to a similar family making approximately $55,000 previously.

 

In late September, ACS and Mayor Adams marked a major milestone — the completion of the Adams administration’s commitment to fully clear the 36,000-child long list of those interested in applying for child care vouchers. Now that the waitlist has been cleared, all low-income families are able to apply and, if eligible, receive this critical assistance. Families can apply for child care vouchers by visiting the ACS website.