Parents
>>Paying for Child Care
Tax Credits
If you have already started your search, you know that child care can be expensive. Fortunately, there are a variety of resources available in Central New York to help with the cost of child care. Assistance can come in many different forms. Some programs, like child care assistance, pay for a portion of your child care each month, other options may help you save money or provide discounts on your monthly or weekly fees. If you don’t qualify for child care assistance, there are other programs, credits, or discounts available that may be able to assist you with paying. We've created a short video to help you learn more about Navigating Child Care Needs. You can also call (315) 446-1220 ext. 303 to speak with an expert!
Take a look through the following pages and explore local resources that are available to help with the cost of child care:
Scholarships & Other Income Based Assistance: Certain Onondaga County residents may qualify for the Community Child Care Scholarship funded by the United Way of CNY or assistance through the Workforce Development Institute Child Care Subsidy Program. Learn more.
State Child Care Assistance: Onondaga & Cayuga Counties both offer child care subsidy programs for eligible families to help cover the cost of child care. Learn more.
Tax Credits, Employer Programs, & Other Options: Explore the other ways you may be able to get help paying for child care, such as tax credits, work or school programs or sliding fee scales. Learn more.
Workforce Development Institute's Child Care Subsidy
Funds are available for income eligible families who reside in Onondaga County and work a minimum of 25 hours per week. Subsidy can be applied to licensed, registered or legally exempt day care, after school or summer camp programs. Learn more.
Navigating the Child Care Selection Process and Paying for Care
On February 15, 2022, Sarah Merrick, the Commissioner of the Onondaga County Department of Social Services - Economics Security Department and Lori Schadow, Executive Director of Child Care Solutions, presented to a group of Human Services Managers from the Manufactures Association of Central New York. Please watch this video as a resource and to hear about the child care selection process, how to navigate through it, and help pay for child care: Click here.
