Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a new pilot program in partnership with Monroe, Dutchess, and Broome counties aimed at expanding child care options across New York State. The initiative is part of the Governor’s $4.5 billion commitment to universal child care, which seeks to make the state more affordable for families.
The pilot will receive $60 million in state funding and additional investments from the participating counties, focusing on increasing access for children aged 0-3. During her visit to Penfield, Governor Hochul attended the ribbon cutting for The Irene Skalny Childcare Center, a YMCA facility that opened in October with over $1.5 million in state support.
“My mission to deliver universal child care for all is a multi-year plan for the entire State, making living in New York more affordable and the best place to raise a family,” said Governor Hochul. “This new pilot program with Monroe County, and multiple other counties outside of the city, will open new seats and support families statewide regardless of their income status.”
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello expressed gratitude for the initiative: “Access to high-quality, affordable child care is a foundation of a strong, safe, and healthy future for our children, families, and our entire community. At a time when child care funding is increasingly uncertain and providers are harder to find, Governor Hochul has listened to the needs of our county and continues to deliver for Monroe County and all of New York State. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and her continued investment in the heartbeat of our community—our families.”
The Irene Skalny Childcare Center serves children from six weeks to five years old in an area identified as needing expanded child care services. Its presence aims to help parents participate fully in the workforce by providing reliable care options.
Statewide efforts under Governor Hochul have included doubling investment in New York’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which now supports 2.5 times more children than when she took office. The number of children served increased by nearly 25 percent over the past year alone; most families pay no more than $15 per week.
This year’s budget proposal includes an additional $1.2 billion investment into subsidies through CCAP, raising total available funds above $3 billion—a significant increase compared with previous years.
Governor Hochul also outlined plans to achieve universal Pre-K access statewide by 2028-2029 by increasing both available seats and funding per pupil so that districts can provide quality programs.
In New York City specifically, there are plans to introduce free child care for two-year-olds (“2-Care”) alongside ongoing support for universal Pre-K and 3K programs.
A newly established Office of Child Care and Early Education will oversee these initiatives while supporting workforce development through scholarships and partnerships with SUNY/CUNY institutions.
Tax policy changes are also proposed: expanding the child and dependent care credit could give an average benefit increase of $575 to about 230,000 tax filers.
Other measures taken include increasing eligibility limits so that more families qualify for assistance (now up to roughly $114,000 annual income for a family of four), capping costs at $15 per week for most recipients, raising provider reimbursement rates by nearly 50 percent since Hochul took office, and investing over $150 million into capital projects creating new centers across New York State.
The broader Rochester-Monroe Transformation Initiative features a separate commitment of $300 million—$225 million targeting local infrastructure projects such as High Falls State Park renovations—to further economic growth in Rochester and Monroe County.
Local officials welcomed these investments:
“With a proposed $20 million investment into child care in Monroe County and $300 million for High Falls State Park…these investments will make an immeasurable impact across Monroe County,” said State Senator Jeremy Cooney.
Assemblymember Jen Lunsford stated: “Making quality child care accessible…has always been one of my top priorities…being here today with Governor Hochul…I am proud to say we have achieved so much.”
Assemblymember Demond Meeks added: “This proposed budget makes critical commitments…By helping parents stay in the workforce…we are building a stronger foundation.”
Assemblymember Harry Bronson noted: “Access to reliable…child care is an investment in our future – helping young children build strong foundations.”
Assemblywoman Sarah Clark remarked: “When we invest in our community it changes lives…I am also very excited…to lead on a universal child care pilot.”
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans commented: “By transforming Downtown Rochester…the Rochester-Monroe Transformation Initiative will transform the social, cultural, and economic landscape.”
YMCA President & CEO Ernie Lamour said: “We know how critical it is…to have affordable quality child care; that’s why we worked so hard to open this center.”