How will state grants expand local child care options?

The state’s Childcare Capital Construction Funding Program is set to expand local child care options, with grants announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul on June 30. Hochul said 37 organizations will receive more than $106 million for “shovel-ready” projects expected to add 5,000 child care openings statewide. The program is intended to improve access to affordable, high-quality care while supporting working parents and local economic activity. In Rome, the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley plans to expand school-age care, receiving just over $1.6 million to increase capacity. In Utica, Upstate Caring Partners will get nearly $3.3 million to add space for 40 more children at its New Discoveries Learning Center. Additional funding will support an Onondaga County child care project associated with ICAN.