Hundreds of families in Steuben County, New York, are facing an end to childcare subsidies after a decrease in funding from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (NYSOCFS).
A year ago, New York State invested two billion dollars in childcare subsidies through the Child Care Block Grant program, helping low-income families afford child care.
The Steuben County Department of Social Services, which receives allocations from NYSOCFS for childcare, has seen a reduction in funding.
Officials say the decrease in funding will result in cutting childcare subsidies for nearly 400 children in the county, increasing the number of families on a waitlist for assistance.
While New York State has identified $100 million to build and expand child care capacity in underserved areas through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the reduced allocation for existing subsidies is impacting families in Steuben County who depend on these funds to afford childcare.
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