New York City offers a range of free and high-quality day care programs, also known as early childhood education programs, designed to support families and provide enriching environments for young children. These programs understand the holistic needs of families, offering resources and services that extend beyond just child care. Operating year-round and for up to 10 hours daily, these day care programs in NYC create safe and nurturing spaces where children can learn through play and develop crucial skills for lifelong learning. NYC Public Schools collaborates with community-based early childhood partners to deliver these vital services.
Exploring Early Head Start for Infants and Toddlers in NYC
For families with the youngest children, Early Head Start programs in NYC offer exceptional support. These programs cater to infants and toddlers from six weeks to three years old – specifically those not yet eligible for 3-K programs. Services are provided in both center-based settings and through home visits, ensuring accessibility for diverse family needs. A key component of Early Head Start Day Care Programs Nyc is their commitment to children’s well-being, providing nutritious meals, health screenings, and assistance in accessing broader family health services. Furthermore, these programs empower parents by offering support to achieve personal goals related to employment, housing stability, and adult education.
Head Start Eligibility Criteria in New York City
Funded through federal grants, Head Start programs in NYC have specific eligibility requirements to ensure services reach families who need them most. Children can enroll in these programs at any point in the year if they meet the criteria. Families may be eligible for these day care programs nyc if they meet one or more of the following conditions:
- Income within the federal poverty guidelines.
- Experiencing temporary housing situations.
- Receiving Cash Assistance from the Human Resources Administration (HRA).
- Participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
- Receiving Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI).
- Having a child in foster care.
To definitively determine your family’s eligibility for Head Start day care programs nyc and to begin the enrollment process, the most effective step is to directly contact a program. Utilize MySchools.nyc to explore and search for Head Start programs in your area and create an account to start your search.
When you connect with a program, you will be asked to provide documentation to confirm your eligibility. Acceptable documents may include:
- Form 1040 Income Tax Return
- W-2 forms
- TANF documentation (Cash Assistance records)
- SSI documentation
- Pay stubs or pay envelopes
It is important to note that eligibility for Head Start day care programs nyc is open to all families regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Programs are prohibited from requesting proof of citizenship or legal immigration status during the application process for Head Start.
2023 HHS Poverty Guidelines for Head Start Eligibility
| PERSONS IN FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD | POVERTY GUIDELINE |
|---|---|
| 1 | $14,580 |
| 2 | $19,720 |
| 3 | $24,860 |
| 4 | $30,000 |
| 5 | $35,140 |
| 6 | $40,280 |
| 7 | $45,420 |
| 8 | $50,560 |
For families/households exceeding 8 persons, add $5,140 for each additional member.
While these guidelines exist, Head Start day care programs nyc may have the flexibility to enroll a limited number of families who exceed these income thresholds. If you are interested in Head Start and your income is slightly higher, you are still encouraged to apply, as programs will assess capacity to serve additional families.
Exploring Other Early Childhood Education Options in NYC
For families who may not be eligible for Head Start or are seeking alternative early childhood options, New York City provides universal access to free Pre-K for all four-year-olds and 3-K for three-year-olds in an increasing number of communities. These programs operate in line with the NYC Public School calendar and daily schedule. For further details on these day care programs nyc alternatives, please visit nyc.gov/PreK and nyc.gov/3k or simply dial 311.
Extended Day and Year Infant and Toddler Programs: Comprehensive Child Care in NYC
Extended Day and Year (EDY) programs in NYC offer another valuable option for families needing comprehensive day care programs. These programs provide high-quality early childhood care and education for children aged six weeks through five years, operating year-round for up to 10 hours per day. Like other NYC early childhood initiatives, EDY programs focus on creating a secure and stimulating learning environment where children can develop essential skills.
Access to these free or low-cost day care services in NYC through EDY programs is made possible by the Federal Child Care Block Grant (Child Care) funding. This funding source dictates specific eligibility criteria that families must meet:
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Residency Requirements:
- Families must reside within New York City, unless the child is in foster care placement outside of NYC.
- The child receiving care in the EDY program must be a U.S. citizen or hold legal immigration status. Due to federal funding mandates, proof of the child’s citizenship or legal immigration status is a requirement for EDY program eligibility. This documentation is exclusively required for the child needing care. Parents or guardians will not be asked about their own or any other household member’s citizenship or immigration status.
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Income Guidelines and Reason for Care:
- Family income must be below a certain threshold and families must have an approved “reason for care.” Valid reasons include:
- Working an average of 10 or more hours per week.
- Participation in an educational or vocational training program.
- Actively seeking employment, including job searching while receiving unemployment benefits (for up to 6 months).
- Receiving services related to domestic violence.
- Living in temporary housing.
- Family income must be below a certain threshold and families must have an approved “reason for care.” Valid reasons include:
For two-parent households, each parent must independently meet a “reason for care” requirement.
Families may be eligible for child care assistance if their income is below 85% of the State Median Income (see table below) and they have a qualifying “reason for care.”
| Family Size | Monthly Income Eligibility | Annual Income Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $6,156 | $73,869.56 |
| 3 | $7,604 | $91,250.63 |
| 4 | $9,053 | $108,631.70 |
| 5 | $10,501 | $126,012.77 |
| 6 | $11,949 | $143,393.84 |
| 7 | $12,221 | $146,652.80 |
| 8 | $12,493 | $149,911.75 |
| 9 | $12,764 | $153,170.70 |
| 10 | $13,036 | $156,429.65 |
| 11 | $13,307 | $159,688.60 |
| 12 | $13,579 | $162,947.55 |
| 13 | $13,851 | $166,206.50 |
| 14 | $14,122 | $169,465.45 |
| 15 | $14,394 | $172,724.40 |
| 16 | $14,665 | $175,983.35 |
| 17 | $14,937 | $179,242.31 |
| 18 | $15,208 | $182,501.26 |
Note: To qualify for child care assistance, families working 10+ hours per week must earn at least the minimum wage ($16/hour).
Special Referral Pathways for Child Care Assistance
In specific situations, agencies other than NYC Public Schools may determine eligibility for Child Care assistance:
- Families applying for or receiving cash assistance must apply for day care programs nyc assistance through their Human Resources Administration (HRA) Job Center.
- Families involved in an active child welfare case (Preventive or Protective services) should contact their caseworker to initiate a Child Care subsidy referral.
- Employed foster parents should also contact their caseworker to arrange a Child Care subsidy referral.
How to Apply for Extended Day and Year Programs
For families interested in applying for Extended Day and Year day care programs nyc, support is available throughout the application process. Contact a NYCPS Family Welcome Center via email at [email protected], visit MyCity, or call 311 for application assistance. Applicants must submit both the Application for Child Care Assistance and the required documentation outlined in the lists below. All eligibility forms are accessible on the NYC Public Schools website at bit.ly/childcareeligibility.
| List 1 | List 2 | List 3 | List 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copy of one of the following: – IDNYC – Utility Bill – Section 8 Award Letter – Driver’s License – Rent Receipt – NYCHA Certificate – CFWB-067 Residency Attestation – Other | Copy of one of the following for the child(ren) in need of care: – US Birth Certificate – Alien Registration Card including Permanent Resident or Green Card – US Passport – Form FS-240 (Report of Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen) – Naturalization Certificate – Other | One of the following for each child under 18 in the household: – Birth Certificate – Adoption record – Baptismal record – Court order for legal guardian with financial responsibility – Passport with parent signature | One of the following, if employed: – CFWB-015 -Referral to Employer for Employee Income Information – Between 2 and 12 Pay Stubs depending on frequency and the difference in income between paychecks |
Depending on your family’s circumstances, you may also need to submit a Vocational, Education, Training Verification Form, a Housing Questionnaire, or the Self Employment Attestation Form.
State Income Standard: 300% of Poverty Income Standards Chart (Effective June 1, 2023)
| Family Size | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3,645 | $43,740 |
| 2 | $4,930 | $59,160 |
| 3 | $6,215 | $74,580 |
| 4 | $7,500 | $90,000 |
| 5 | $8,785 | $105,420 |
| 6 | $10,070 | $120,840 |
Further Early Childhood Education Options in NYC
Again, it’s worth noting that New York City offers free Pre-K for all four-year-olds and 3-K for three-year-olds across many communities. These programs do not require proof of citizenship or immigration status and operate on the NYC Public School schedule. For more information, visit nyc.gov/prek and nyc.gov/3k or call 311 to explore these additional day care programs nyc options.
Admissions for Infant and Toddler programs are ongoing throughout the year. If you meet eligibility requirements and there is an available space, your child can enroll in a program at any time.
- Use MySchools to locate infant and toddler programs near you.
- For Early Head Start, apply directly through the program.
- For other Extended Day/Year Infant/Toddler programs, apply directly through the program. New applications and recertification documents can be emailed to [email protected] or submitted via MyCity. If email submission is not possible, programs can mail applications to:
NYC Public Schools Childcare Eligibility Team
333 7th Ave 12th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Options for Three- and Four-Year-Olds in NYC Day Care
If you are seeking other free, full-day, high-quality programs for three- and four-year-old children, NYC provides excellent choices. For children born in 2019, 3-K is available, and for children born in 2018, pre-K is an option. MySchools is a valuable resource to learn more about these diverse programs.
Additionally, for families needing extended care beyond the standard school day, Extended Day/Year programs, including Head Start, offer year-round care for up to 10 hours a day. Eligibility for these day care programs nyc is based on income and other specific factors.
- To apply for Head Start, contact programs directly.
- For more information on Extended Day/Year options, eligibility, and application procedures, visit MyCity or email [email protected].
Special Referral Processes for Certain Families
It is important to reiterate that specific application processes exist for certain family situations:
- Families applying for or receiving cash assistance must apply for care through their Human Resources Administration (HRA) Job Center.
- Families with an active Child Welfare case should contact their caseworker for a Child Care subsidy referral.
- Employed foster parents need to contact their caseworker for a Child Care subsidy referral.
All families, including those needing special referrals, can call 311 for assistance in finding a program and completing the Child Care subsidy application for day care programs nyc.
Guidance for Centers Submitting or Following Up on Cases
For centers submitting or following up on cases, these guidelines ensure optimal support for both staff and families:
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Submit cases individually, ensuring all necessary documents are included for each case.
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In the email subject line, include:
- Parent name
- Case number (if known)
- Program name/number
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When requesting status updates, reference the original submission date and the subject line information.
Questions About Infant and Toddler Day Care Programs NYC?
For any questions regarding infant and toddler day care programs nyc, please call 311 or email [email protected]. We are here to help you navigate early childhood care and education options and explore the best choices for your family.
