Child care is an essential service many of our families depend on, but finding affordable child care can be hard.
Our team is here to help.
Schenectady County is working to make it easier for eligible families to access child care assistance. We've created an online portal - the first in New York State - that streamlines the process so families can apply for assistance when and where it's convenient for them, in less time.
While child care assistance had been limited to work, job search and related activities, it has now been expanded to include educational, vocational and training programs inclusive of an Associates Degree. It can also cover child are services for income eligible families participating in a treatment program or homeless families conducting a housing search.
As of August 1, 2022 eligibility for Child Care reimbursement is 300% over the NYS poverty level. Families who previously didn't qualify for child care assistance may qualify now.
We're also working to make it easier for providers to become certified, which will allow them to offer services to more families who are eligible for child care assistance. This includes center- and home-based care providers, family members, close friends or other trusted caregivers.
Care Care Assistance
- Do I Qualify for Assistance?
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You may be eligible for assistance if you need child care for employment, education, job searching, a non-biological child in your custody, or foster children, and meet the income requirements.
If you currently receive cash benefits (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families or Safety Net Assistance), Temporary Assistance (TA) Day Care is available to recipients who are employed or engaged in approved vocational or educational training programs. Temporary Assistance recipients should contact their TA Examiner or employment counselor to discuss day care assistance eligibility. Day care approvals are determined by the TA examiner.
Check your eligibility using the Child Care Assistance Eligibility Questionnaire
- Income Requirements
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As of June 1, 2023 eligibility for Child Care reimbursement is 300% over the NYS poverty level. You may qualify for assistance under this new program.
NYS Income Standards Family Size New York State Income Standard (SIS) 300% SIS (Starting 8/1/2022)
1
$14,580 $43,470 2 $19,720
$59,160 3 $24,860
$74,580 4 $30,000
$90,000 5 $35,140
$105,420 6 $40,280
$120,840 7 $45,420
$136,260 8 $50,560
$151,680
- Documentation Needed
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The following documents are required based on your specific need for child care:
Employment: most recent 2 months of paystubs, birth certificates for all children, all additional income documentation (child support, Social Security, etc.)
Education: high school or college schedule, birth certificates for all children, all additional income documentation (child support, Social Security, etc.)
Job Search: job search forms, birth certificates for all children, all additional income documentation (child support, Social Security, etc.)
A Non-Biological Child in Your Custody: signed custody court order, birth certificates for children in your custody, paystubs/school schedule as applicable
Foster Children: paystubs/school schedule as applicable
- Apply Online for Child Care Assistance
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Accounts are required. A valid email address will be needed to sign up. You can follow your application's progress within your account.
Child Care Providers
Schenectady County is making it easier for child care providers to become certified, including center- and 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 our Department of Social Services.
- Do I need to be a licensed day care to receive subsidies?
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No - you can be a "Legally Exempt Child Care Provider."
- What is a Legally Exempt Provider?
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An LEP is a person who is a family member (not a parent), close friend or someone else trusted to care for children of families who receive child care assistance.
- What are the Rules and Regulations for Legally Exempt Providers (LEPs)?
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An LEP 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.
An LEP must complete a background check with BrightsideUp, Inc. The online application will go to them directly.
An LEP 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.
LEP's 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 LEP's must meet health and safety regulations established by NYS Office of Child and Family Services.
- Apply Online to Become a Certified Child Care Provider
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Apply to become a DSS-Certified provider:
Powered by Spatial Data Logic's SDL Online.
Accounts are required. A valid email address will be needed to sign up. You can follow your application's progress within your account.
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