Child Care Financial Assistance Options
ACS-Funded Options:
The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) provides subsidized child care to eligible families through contracted programs in the five boroughs. In order for a family to receive subsidized child care from ACS, the family must meet specific financial and social eligibility criteria and parent must appear at an eligibility interview.
Other Publicly Funded Child Care Options:
- Head Start: A free early educational program for children aged 3 to 5 years old living in very low income families. Head Start includes family social services and emphasizes parental involvement.
- 3-K: In New York City, you can apply to 3-K in the calendar year that your child turns three. 3-K brings free, full-day, high-quality education to three-year-old children in New York City— learn more about the benefits of 3-K here. Every school district has 3-K programs, and we make every effort to place students based on seat availability close to their homes.
- Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK): A free educational program available through the Department of Education for all eligible 4-year-olds. Programs are offered either half-day or full-day in local elementary schools and community-based organizations.
- Free Afterschool Program: After school programs available at no cost through the Department of Youth and Community Development to all school-age children, from elementary to high school. Programs offer academics, arts and music or sports.
Financial Assistance in Private Program:
- Sliding Fee Scale: Fees for this scale are based on income standards set at the program.
- Fees Negotiable: Programs are willing to negotiate fees on an individual basis based on family’s individual situation.
- Scholarships: Some programs offer their own scholarships or will accept scholarship funds.
- Multi-child discounts: Programs that offer a fee reduction to parents with more than one child enrolled in care.
If you would like to get more detailed information about the above child care options and to see if you are eligible to apply for any of these programs, please contact us.