Rockland County is strongly affected by the confusion, instability and lack of funding in the Child Care Assistance program. After a meeting between the representatives of the childcare assistance unit of Rockland County and the Providers, where providers were supposed to get some clarity in the situation, things still seem to be very unpredictable. 

At the time of CCAP approval, funding is guaranteed for one year. Upon recertification, families are DENIED DUE TO LACK OF FUNDING and placed at the bottom of the wait-list. In the meantime, more families get onto the wait-list to be approved. THERE IS INSUFFICIENT FUNDS ALLOCATED IN ROCKLAND COUNTY'S BUDGET FOR CHILDCARE.

We understand that this is a difficult time for the childcare industry affecting many children, providers, families and communities. Our problem is much greater than just the funding issue.

Children’s perspective

Children are not just a number nor a business inventory. They are sensitive little people building the foundation of their life by having secure attachments to adult facilitators on their way to develop and grow.

Professional and caring providers and child growth facilitators understand that a child cannot be placed in a different childcare setup every few months, while growing into emotionally healthy future adults.

Providers’ perspective

Our programs can't function without proper funding. Families that are eligible for CCAP cannot afford to pay the childcare market rate. By signing the provider form, parents and providers commit to send and provide services. If approvals are not given at the time of submitting, providers can't hold that slot and parents can't hold their job invalidating that agreement.

The confusion is great. We don't want to discontinue the care of kids because of lack of funding.  Providers AND families need to have more predictability on how funds are going to be handled. The way things are now, daycare doors are in danger of being forced to close.

Families’ perspective

Families need assurance to make calculations approximately how much out of pocket they will need to pay, to know if they can even keep a job. Will their entire income go to childcare, possibly causing homelessness and hunger? This unclarity is causing a lot of uncertainty, vulnerability, and fear of the future.

Community perspective

This problem affects many New York Businesses and schools. Employees and teachers are quitting their jobs, not being able to provide a stable childcare setting for their young ones.

We understand that there’s a problem with the New York distribution of childcare funding. Rockland County was allocated 10 million dollars. They need much more.

Until these trying times pass, we are asking for PREDICTABILITY!
The way this is being handled needs a change!! We need STABILITY!

NEW YORKERS CANNOT WORK WITHOUT CHILDCARE!!

SAVE WORKING FAMILIES!!

SAVE OUR CHILDREN!!

Thank You for everything you do for us!