News for the city of Mount Vernon ny

CARES Child Care Scholarship Parent Application

The Early Care & Learning Council (ECLC) and our network of 35 Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies applaud the action of the Office of Children and Family Services and the Cuomo Administration in developing a plan to provide child care to essential workers at no cost to the worker. This allocation of funding comes to the state from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), which has provided our state with $163.6 million in emergency relief to the child care system.

Our state is using a portion of this funding to provide child care for essential workers, at no cost to the worker. This program will support essential workers who are required to work outside of the home. Essential workers using a licensed or registered child care provider will receive a scholarship for the cost of care, which is contingent on the availability of funds to support it. All licensed and regulated providers who are caring for the children of essential workers are able to participate in this new program. The CARES Child Care Scholarship will be available as long as the funds to support it are available.

To be eligible, a worker must be employed outside the home in an essential occupation, have income under 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, and either has or would like to enroll a child or children in a child care program regulated by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services.

Family Size
Gross Household Income Eligibility (Maximum)

2 = $51,720

3 = $65,160

4 = $78,600

5 = $92,040

6 = $105,480

The CARES Act scholarships have been extended to cover the period from April 20 to May 3, so please apply today. Learn more and complete the CARES application, Click Here.

The Council also has child care scholarships for essential workers who meet higher income eligibility standards. That program is funded by the Westchester Community Foundation and the RXR COVID Relief Fund. To learn more and complete that application, Click Here.