The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) recently launched a new online Family Guide to Child Care and Early Childhood Resources, including an enhanced, user-friendly child care search tool, to help families more easily access information about finding and paying for child care, as well as child development and school readiness.
“Real-time information is valuable to most people, and particularly of great use to those seeking child care resources,” said OCFS Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden. “Governor Hochul has expanded opportunities exponentially for children to participate in safe and affordable early childhood experiences and programs. The expansion was designed to include resources that help families navigate complex systems. To ease the burdens of identifying appropriate child care opportunities and financial supports, OCFS developed this new web-based guide that will make it easier for families to find affordable child care and additional resources in real time.”
The Family Guide to Child Care and Early Childhood Resources can be found under the Division of Child Care Services (DCCS) page on the OCFS website. Visit ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/families to learn more and access the guide.
The guide connects parents and caregivers with trusted information on child care, financial assistance, health and safety, and early learning. These resources help families make informed decisions and find services they need across New York State. The enhanced child care search tool enables families to search for child care providers by address or proximity to care (including the ability to search for care between two addresses, such as the parent’s home and work location), hours of care needed, program type, and program staff’s ability to administer medication, including emergency epinephrine.
Other resources on the new webpage include links to information and the application for the New York State Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and a Parent’s and Caregiver’s Guide to Child Care, as well as information on safe sleep practices, health and safety resources, early childhood development, and school-age supports.
The initiative is part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s ongoing efforts to improve child care services statewide, including a historic, multi-year $8 billion investment in expanding families’ access to affordable, high-quality child care.
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