Information for Families - Child Care

Child Care


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Information for Families

New York City offers a variety of free or low cost child care and early childhood education options for families. Learn more about the options available to you and your family below or visit the Apply for Child Care page.

You an also screen yourself to see what types of child care programs you may be eligible for through the ACCESS NYC Eligibility checker. Click the child care option to begin the screening process.

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Child Care Vouchers

A child care voucher will help you cover most or all of the cost of child care at a qualified provider of your choice.

Eligibility is based on your family size, residency, income, and reason for care. It is verified using the documentation you submit with your application. If you're unsure whether you're eligible, take this short survey to see if you might be!

Vouchers can be used at hundreds of center-based and home-based providers across the city. They may also be used to pay approved relatives, neighbors, or friends for child care. Vouchers can help pay for child care for up to 24 hours a day and throughout the year.

Your child can enroll in a child care program at any time during the year with a voucher.

For more information about vouchers, visit ACS Child Care Vouchers.

NYC Public Schools

New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) provides high-quality early childhood care and education to children from birth to five years. NYCPS' Birth-Five Programs are offered in a variety of settings including center-based (NYC Early Education Centers or NYCEECs), home-based (Family Child Care or FCCs), and school based (District schools and PreK centers).

Visit MySchools to find a program near you or NYC Public Schools New Student Enrollment to learn more about NYPCS’ early childhood education programs.

Below are additional details about NYC Public Schools’ early childhood programs:

Infant and Toddler Child Care

Infant and toddler programs are free or low-cost high quality early childhood education for qualifying families with children between six weeks and three-years-old (who are not yet age-eligible for 3K).

Eligibility for these seats is based on family income and an approved reason for needing child care.

Enrollment for infant and toddler programs are year-round. Eligible families can enroll at any time directly at their preferred program location. Care is available for up to 10 hours per day, year-round.

To find a list of Infant and Toddler providers visit MySchools.nyc - select 3-K then “More Filters” and choose “EarlyLearn - Infant” or “EarlyLearn -Toddler.”

To learn about eligibility and to enroll, contact a program directly, or email CCapplication@schools.nyc.gov, or visit MyCity to learn about eligibility and to apply.

3-K and Pre-K Extended Day and Year

3-K and Pre-K (pre-kindergarten) Extended Day and Year programs are free or low cost child care in the calendar year your child turns three or four years old. Care is available for up to 10 hours per day, year-round.

Eligibility for these seats is based on family income and an approved reason for needing child care.

If you receive an offer to an Extended Day and Year seat, you will need to confirm your child’s eligibility by completing a Child Care Assistance application through MyCity or you can contact your selected program for support.

If you need immediate care, visit MySchools.nyc to find a list of 3-K and Pre-K Extended Day and Year providers, browse the NYC schools directory, and contact the program directly to apply or apply through MyCity

To learn about eligibility and to enroll, contact a program directly, or email CCapplication@schools.nyc.gov, or visit MyCity to learn about eligibility and to apply.

3-K and Pre-K School Day and Year

3-K and Pre-K (pre-kindergarten) School Day and Year School Day seats are free and open to all NYC children in the calendar year your child turns three or four years old.

These programs offer early care and education for 6 hours and 20 minutes per day during the school year, typically from September to June.

Learn more about new student enrollment.

Early Head Start and Head Start

Early Head Start and Head Start programs are free high-quality early childhood education programs that support the whole family serving children birth to five years.

Some of New York City’s Early Head Start and Head Start programs are affiliated with New York City Public Schools and some are directly affiliated with the federal Office of Head Start.

NYCPS Early Head Start and Head Start programs serve children ages 2-5 in centers only.

The programs affiliated with the federal Office of Head Start may provide services to pregnant mothers and/or children birth to five years, in either home-based or center-based settings.

Programs typically run for at least 8 hours per day. They offer a safe, positive learning environment for children to learn, play, and build the skills that get them ready for kindergarten and beyond.

Families may be eligible if one or more of the following is criteria is met:

Family income is at or below the federal poverty line or

The child in foster care or

The child is

living in temporary shelter

or

The family is receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI, or SNAP)

The best way to find out if your family is eligible for Head Start is to contact a program directly. Visit the Office of Head Start to learn more and to locate a Head Start or Early Head Start program in New York City. You can also find an NYCPS Early Head Start or Head Start program through MySchools.

HRA Cash Assistance Child Care Benefits

The Department of Social Services helps provide Child Care benefits in a number of ways depending on your family’s situation. Visit the Department of Social Services to learn more about child care benefits and how to apply.