-knhwfk.png)
-jj3y9d.png)
Schenectady County Cares Childcare Assistance
Childcare is an Essential Service that Families Depend On
.png)
But finding affordable childcare can be hard. Schenectady County is here to help!
Schenectady County is making it easier for eligible families to access childcare assistance. We have created the first online portal in New York State to streamline the application process, making it easier, faster, and more convenient to access assistance.
Schenectady County Cares and is here to help!
Schenectady County is also making it easier for providers to become certified, allowing them to offer services to more families who are eligible for childcare assistance. This includes daycare centers, home-based care providers, family members, close friends, and other trusted caregivers.
Childcare Assistance
You may qualify for assistance if you require child care for employment, education, or job searching, provided your household meets the income eligibility requirements. Assistance is also available for those who need care for a non-biological child or foster child.
Check your eligibility using the Child Care Assistance Eligibility Questionnaire
If you currently receive cash benefits through Temporary Assistance (TA) or Safety Net Assistance, Temporary Assistance Daycare is available to recipients who are employed or engaged in approved vocational or educational training programs. Contact your Temporary Assistance Examiner or employment counselor to discuss your eligibility. Daycare approvals are determined by the Temporary Assistance Examiner.
Income Requirements
Eligibility for Childcare reimbursement is currently 85% of the State Median Income for New York.
| Family Size | (SMI) for New York | 85% SMI for New York |
| 1 | $66,457.04 | $56,488.48 |
| 2 | $86,905.36 | $73,869.56 |
| 3 | $107,353.68 | $91,250.63 |
| 4 | $127,802.00 | $108,631.70 |
| 5 | $148,250.32 | $126,012.77 |
| 6 | $168,698.64 | $143,393.84 |
| 7 | $172,532.70 | $146,652.80 |
| 8 | $176,366.76 | $149,911.75 |
| 9 | $180,200.82 | $153,170.70 |
| 10 | $184,034.88$ | $156,429.65 |
| 11 | $187,868.94 | $159,688.60 |
| 12 | $191,703.00 | $162,947.55 |
| 13 | $195,537.06 | $166,206.50 |
| 14 | $199,371.12 | $169,465.45 |
| 15 | $203,205.18 | $172,724.40 |
| 16 | $207,039.24 | $175,983.35 |
| 17 | $210,873.30 | $179,242.31 |
| 18 | $214,707.36 | $182,501.26 |
| 19 | $218,541.42 | $185,760.21 |
| 20 | $222,375.48 | $189,019.16 |
Required Documents
The following documents are required based on your specific need for childcare:
Employment
- Last 2 months of pay stubs
- Birth certificates for all children
- Documentation of additional income (e.g., child support, Social Security)
Education
- High school, college, or class schedule
- Birth certificates for all children
- Documentation of additional income (e.g., child support, Social Security)
Job Search
- Job search forms
- Birth certificates for all children
- Documentation of additional income (e.g., child support, Social Security)
Non-Biological Child in Your Custody
- Signed custody court order
- Birth certificates for children in your custody
- Pay stubs or school schedule, as applicable
Foster Children
- Pay stubs or school schedule, as applicable
Apply Online for Childcare Assistance
Powered by Spatial Data Logic's SDL Online. A secure account is required. A valid email address will be needed to sign up. You can follow your application's progress when you login.
Childcare Providers
Schenectady County is making it easier for childcare providers to become certified. This includes daycare centers, home-based care providers, family members, close friends, or other trusted caregivers. Certified providers who care for children who qualify for the Child Care Assistance program can receive subsidies from the Schenectady County Department of Social Services.
To become a certified provider, you do not need to operate a licensed daycare center. You can qualify as a "Legally Exempt Childcare Provider."
What is a Legally Exempt Provider? A Legally Exempt Provider is an individual, such as a family member (other than a parent), close friend, or another trusted person, who provides care for children in families receiving childcare assistance.
The Rules and Regulations for Legally Exempt Providers (LEPs)
- A Legally Exempt Provider can only watch 2 children who are not related to them at one time. They can watch up to 6 children who are related to them for a total of 8 children at any time.
- A Legally Exempt Provider must complete a background check with BrightsideUp, Inc. The online application will go to them directly.
- A Legally Exempt Provider must keep their information up-to-date (changes in address, phone, hours of care, etc). This can be done online through the Schenectady County Cares portal.
- Legally Exempt Providers caring for children who are not related to them must attend a 5-hour training. This is available online and the information is in the application.
- All Legally Exempt Providers must meet health and safety regulations established by NYS Office of Child and Family Services.
Apply Online to Become a Certified Childcare Provider
Powered by Spatial Data Logic's SDL Online. A secure account is required. A valid email address will be needed to sign up. You can follow your application's progress when you log in.
Questions?
Families and providers who have questions can contact the Schenectady County Department of Social Services by:
Email: childcare@schenectadycountyny.gov
Phone: (518) 388-4739