New York state is making $500 million in grants available through a program meant to bolster the child care workforce, Gov. Kathy Hochul's office on Thursday announced.
Child care programs have struggled to retain staff during the COVID pandemic, which also added to the need for additional program slots amid the upheaval of the last three years.
The state's program provides incentives ranging from $2,300 to $3,000 for retention and referral bonuses for existing staff and sign-on bonuses for new workers.
It's expected about 150,000 direct child care workers will be affected through the retention program.
“As a mother who put her career on pause due to a lack of affordable child care, I understand first-hand how much not having access to these services can affect a family,” Gov. Hochul said. “Through the Workforce Retention Grant Program, we can help grow and support our child care workforce as we continue working to expand access to this essential service for families across our state.”
Child care programs including school-age kids, day care centers, family day care homes, group family day care programs and small day care centers are eligible. New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene-permitted group centers also qualify.
State lawmakers and Hochul previously agreed to billions of dollars in additional spending meant to support child care programs and expand available slots.
“The child care workforce grants are vital to hiring and maintaining quality staff to care for our youngest New Yorkers – one of the most important jobs that exists," Office of Children and Family Services Acting Commissioner Suzanne Miles-Gustave said. "Child care employees are primarily women, many of whom are of color. These grants recognize their important role in the nurturing and development of our children. All of the Governor’s bold child care initiatives and reforms underscore how deserving our providers are and help make vital child care services more affordable, accessible and equitable for New York’s hardworking families.”