SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — For young children who are desperate to stay with their parents, going to day care can be a nightmare . However, little do they know, having numerous quality child care programs in their area will boost the local economy, according to State Senator John Mannion.
New York State is offering a one-time grant opportunity to open more child care programs. The state identified $100 million to build and expand child care capacity in areas with the least supply of child care centers.
An area is identified as a child care “desert” if there are three or more children under the age of five for every available child care slot in local day care centers, family day care, or group family day care programs.
Many areas across Central New York qualify as childcare deserts, according to the state . This means that there are significantly fewer child care centers compared to the number of children who need them. This indicates that some children can’t get into child care programs and their parents have to stay home to care for them, even though they would like to have a job.
Syracuse is ranked number one in concentrated poverty and city leaders hope that fixing the lack of child care programs could be a step in the right direction.
“The importance of (this state funding) cannot be understated,” said Joshua King, of Childcare Solutions.
Owners of child care centers can apply for a grant at this state website. before May 19.
