New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a state pilot program on universal child care in partnership with Broome, Dutchess, and Monroe Counties. The initiative targets children aged zero to three and is part of a broader $4.5 billion plan aimed at expanding child care access across the state. The announcement was made during a visit to the B.C. Center, a licensed child care facility on SUNY Broome's campus.
According to the Governor's office, the pilot program provides $60 million in state funding, supplemented by contributions from the participating counties. Broome County Executive Jason T. Garnar stated that the program addresses challenges related to affordable and reliable child care for working parents. The official statement also notes that the B.C. Center offers an educational environment that promotes regular engagement with children’s families.
The SUNY Reconnect Program links higher education access with child care support. Targeting New Yorkers aged 25 to 55 without college degrees, the program provides opportunities to earn free associate degrees and coordinates with child care services at SUNY Broome. This arrangement allows students to attend classes while their children are cared for on-site.
Governor Hochul’s plan includes implementing universal Pre-K by the 2028–2029 school year. The strategy seeks to expand and improve existing programs to support children’s readiness for kindergarten. Additionally, updates to the Child Care Assistance Program have increased subsidies and expanded eligibility for low-income families.
The state has established the Office of Child Care and Early Education to oversee and coordinate universal child care programs. Efforts are underway to enhance early childhood educator preparation, with SUNY and CUNY tasked with optimizing their programs. SUNY Chancellor John King Jr. highlighted the importance of supporting adult learners, including parents, as part of broader economic development efforts in the state.
Governor Hochul plans to adjust the child and dependent care tax credit, which is expected to benefit approximately 230,000 filers. The initiative is part of broader efforts to improve the accessibility, quality, and affordability of child care across New York State.
