Child Care Programs in New York City

The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps eligible low-income families pay for child care while parents or guardians work, attend school, participate in job training, or search for employment. The program helps families access safe, reliable child care so they can pursue employment and educational opportunities without the full financial burden of child care costs.

CCAP can help cover the cost of licensed child care centers, family child care providers, after-school programs, and other approved child care services throughout New York City.

This guide explains how CCAP works, who qualifies, how to apply, and where families can get help.

What Is the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)?

The Child Care Assistance Program is a government-funded subsidy program that helps eligible families afford child care.

Depending on eligibility, CCAP may help cover:

• Full-time child care
• Part-time child care
• Infant and toddler care
• Preschool child care
• Family child care homes
• Before-school and after-school programs
• Summer child care programs

The amount of assistance varies based on household income, family size, and child care needs.

Who Qualifies for CCAP in New York City?

Eligibility is based on income, household size, and participation in approved activities.

1. Residency Requirement

Applicants must generally live in New York City and New York State.

2. Income Requirements

Households must meet income eligibility guidelines established by New York State and local child care assistance programs.

3. Work, School, or Training Requirement

Parents or guardians may qualify if they are:

• Employed full-time or part-time
• Attending school or college
• Participating in approved job training programs
• Actively searching for employment
• Participating in approved employment-related activities

4. Additional Eligibility Factors

Some families may receive priority consideration if they:

• Receive public assistance
• Are experiencing homelessness
• Have children with disabilities
• Are involved with child welfare services

What Does CCAP Cover?

CCAP may help pay for:

• Licensed child care centers
• Registered family child care providers
• Group family child care homes
• Before- and after-school programs
• Summer child care programs
• Infant and toddler care
• Child care during approved work or education activities

Child care providers must generally be licensed, registered, or approved to participate in the program.

How CCAP Works

Once approved, CCAP pays a portion or all of the child care costs directly to the approved provider.

Families may be responsible for:

• A co-payment based on income
• Costs exceeding approved subsidy limits
• Optional provider fees not covered by the program

The amount of assistance depends on:

• Household income
• Family size
• Type of child care
• Number of hours of care needed

Income Eligibility Requirements

Income limits are updated periodically and vary by family size.

In general, eligibility is based on:

• Household income
• Number of children
• Family composition
• Employment or educational participation

Families should review the latest eligibility guidelines when applying.

Approved Child Care Providers

CCAP benefits may be used with approved providers, including:

• Licensed day care centers
• Family child care homes
• Group family child care providers
• School-age child care programs
• Approved after-school programs

Not all providers participate in CCAP, so families should confirm provider eligibility before enrollment.

Co-Payments and Subsidy Amounts

Depending on income, some families may be required to contribute a small co-payment toward child care costs.

Co-payment amounts are generally based on:

• Household income
• Family size
• Child care expenses

The subsidy covers the remaining approved amount.

Renewal and Recertification

CCAP benefits are not permanent.

Families may need to:

• Recertify eligibility periodically
• Report changes in income
• Report employment changes
• Update household information

Failure to complete recertification may result in loss of benefits.

Documentation Needed for Applications

Applicants may need:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of New York City residency
• Proof of income
• Employment verification
• School enrollment documentation
• Job training participation records
• Child’s birth certificate
• Public assistance documentation (if applicable)

Additional documentation may be required depending on household circumstances.

How to Apply for CCAP

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Review current income limits and activity requirements.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect proof of income, employment, residency, and child information.

Step 3: Submit an Application

Apply through the appropriate child care assistance system or agency.

Step 4: Select an Approved Child Care Provider

Choose a participating provider that accepts child care subsidies.

Step 5: Receive Benefits

If approved, subsidy payments begin according to program guidelines.

Apply for the Child Care Assistance Program

Families can apply or learn more through official New York City resources:

Official New York City Resources

• Apply for Child Care Assistance Through ACCESS NYC
• NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) Child Care Assistance
• NYC Child Care Programs and Services
• ACCESS NYC Benefits Screening Tool

Important Things to Know About CCAP

• Funding is subject to availability
• Some families may be placed on waiting lists
• Eligibility must be maintained throughout enrollment
• Income changes must be reported
• Not all providers accept child care subsidies
• Families may have co-payment responsibilities

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is CCAP free?

Some families receive fully subsidized child care, while others pay a small co-payment based on income.

2. Can I use CCAP for after-school care?

Yes. Eligible families may use benefits for approved before-school and after-school programs.

3. Do I need to be working to qualify?

Most applicants must be working, attending school, participating in job training, or engaged in approved employment-related activities.

4. Can I choose any child care provider?

No. Providers must be approved or licensed and participate in the subsidy program.

5. How often do I need to renew benefits?

Families must complete periodic recertification to continue receiving assistance.

Disclaimer

Program eligibility requirements, income limits, subsidy amounts, provider participation, and application procedures may change over time. Readers should verify the latest information directly through official New York City government agencies and child care assistance program administrators.