Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $100 million funding program to support the construction and expansion of child care facilities across New York State. The program is expected to create between 6,000 and 10,000 new child care slots. According to the Governor's office, the grants are intended to increase the availability of quality child care statewide, emphasizing that affordable, high-quality child care is important for New York families.
Governor Hochul's administration has invested over $8 billion in the child care system, expanding access to affordable care for approximately 170,000 children. It has also worked to reduce administrative barriers and provide incentives to support workforce stability. This initiative builds on the $50 million Child Care Capital Program launched in 2024, which created an estimated 5,500 new child care seats for families in New York. "OCFS is proud to work with Governor Hochul and the Dormitory Authority to implement this significant new initiative that will greatly increase the availability of quality child care throughout New York State," OCFS Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden told the Governor's office.
Overseen by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and administered through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, the program is accepting applications from not-for-profit and municipal child care providers, with a planned start date of February 2, 2026. Grants will range from $500,000 to $5 million. Of the total funding, 60 percent is allocated to the downstate region and 40 percent to the rest of the state. Additionally, 40 percent of the funds are designated for school-age child care programs, while 60 percent are intended for centers statewide.
"This investment is exactly the kind of long-term, structural support New York needs to expand access to safe, high-quality, affordable child care and ensure that our providers are fully equipped," Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi said in a statement. DASNY President Robert J. Rodriguez also highlighted the program, stating, "Access to quality, affordable childcare is essential for New York families and communities to thrive," and noted DASNY's role in implementing the initiative across the state, the Governor's office reported.
For detailed information on application procedures and eligibility, providers and interested parties are encouraged to visit the official OCFS website.
