GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES EXPANDED CHILD CARE FEE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY FAMILIES
48,000 Military Families in New York State Can Choose Among 15,000 Child Care Providers Accepting Federal Fee Assistance
New York Is First State Approved for Child Care Licensing Used to Qualify Community-Based Providers for Expanded Military Fee Assistance
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than 48,000 New York State military families will now be able to receive child care fee assistance that covers 15,000 state-licensed child care providers. The military fee assistance will offset the cost of child care not covered by the parent fee as calculated by their total family income up to a maximum child care rate of $1800 per month per child. New York State has been selected as the first state approved to qualify licensed/registered child care providers for participation in this federal military fee assistance program. Child care providers licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services will be eligible to participate and receive fee assistance on behalf of a military family under the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUSprogram offered by the U.S. Department of Defense.
“While the costs of child care continue to rise beyond what many families can afford, providing high-quality, accessible, and low-cost care choices for New York families is vital. That commitment extends to our military families,” Governor Hochul said. This summer, we announced that tech giant Micron will develop on-site childcare for 50,000 new employees helping build semiconductors, and today we announce that 48,000 New York military families will now receive additional child care fee assistance covering 15,000 providers statewide.”
The Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS (MCCYN-PLUS) program was created more than 15 years ago to offer assistance to reduce the out-of-pocket expense for military families using community child care providers. However, under MCCYN, the child care providers must be nationally accredited, and this sometimes means families have limited choices. The military fee assistance will offset the cost of child care not covered by the parent fee as calculated by their total family income up to a maximum child care rate of $1800 per month per child. Military families can search for and select an approved child care provider through the DOD’s request-for-care website MilitaryChildCare.com.
Office of Children and Family Services Acting Commissioner Suzanne Miles-Gustave said, “New York State has long been a leader in finding bold, innovative ways to improve our child care system and this continues to build on Governor Kathy Hochul’s historic investments to make safe, high-quality child care more equitable, affordable and accessible. We are thrilled to be able to partner with the U.S. Department of Defense in this new initiative to assist military families stationed in New York State. We owe a debt of gratitude to those serving in the armed forces and we are pleased to be able to assist their families by supporting the health and well-being of their children.”
Office of Children and Family Services Deputy Commissioner for the Division of Child Care Services Nora Yates said, “I am so pleased that New York State is being recognized for its high-quality child care licensing requirements, including health and safety standards, statewide monitoring and support, and investments in local child care resource and referral agencies. The expansion of MCCYN-PLUS will be a significant help to military families seeking child care and will also give child care providers an opportunity to serve military families.”
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said, “From Fort Drum to West Point, access to affordable child care is essential for military families across New York State. That is why I’m proud to help deliver this vital federal assistance to our over 48,000 military families, making New York the first state in the nation to participate in this expanded assistance program, and I commend Governor Hochul for her commitment to expanding affordable, reliable child care across New York.”
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, "Our military families sacrifice an enormous amount for our country and it is vital that they receive the child care assistance they deserve. This expanded child care fee assistance program will help nearly 50,000 military families gain and maintain access to the child care services they need. I’m proud to support Governor Hochul’s commitment to expanding affordable, reliable child care options for military families across New York State.”
Representative Joe Morelle said, “The struggle to find safe, accessible, and affordable childcare is universal—and for military families it is paramount. By expanding childcare options for active-duty military families, we are providing the financial support they deserve and ensuring they can remain mission focused. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for addressing this issue and for her commitment to military families.”
Representative Pat Ryan said, “Our military families make tremendous sacrifices for our freedom. They were there for us – now it’s time to be there for them. I am proud that New York will pilot the expansion of this critical program and I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Hochul to deliver for those who serve our country.”
In addition to greatly expanding the child care options for military families, the federal government has increased the child care provider rate cap up to a maximum of $1,700 per month per child.
Governor Hochul remains committed to expanding affordable, reliable child care across New York State. As part of the FY 2023 State Budget, New York State committed $7 billion over four years, reflecting that access to quality child care is critical to children, families, and the state's economic recovery. The FY 2024 Budget created the Workforce Retention Grant Program making $500 million in underutilized federal funds available as grants for eligible child care programs; a new $25 million Employer Child Care Tax Credit available to businesses over the next two years will create new child care seats (and expand existing options) for workers; and additional historic funding – including a $4.8 million investment in a new Employer-Sponsored Child Care Pilot Program. Additionally, $1 million was allocated in the Budget to create a statewide business navigator program in each of the 10 Regional Economic Development Council regions to help interested businesses identify options to support employees’ child care needs, and develop a statewide employer child care guidebook.
For more information on MCCYN-PLUS-approved providers or to apply for military child care assistance, families should visit MilitaryChildCare.com.
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