The New York State Child Care Assistance Program, commonly known as the Grant Program, is administered by local social service districts (LSSD). This program provides financial assistance to families who need help paying for child care services. The Preventive Services Program is also available to families whose children are at risk of being placed in foster care due to an indicated report of child abuse or neglect, or are at imminent risk of abuse or neglect. The Salvation Army is a leading agency that offers specific outreach activities to new and underserved residents of the neighborhoods near Westside and Eastside of the city.
These activities encourage young people to participate in prosocial activities and take advantage of the best case management and family support services offered by the Alliance. The main sources of referral, including health care providers, social service providers, child care providers, EIP service providers, and a variety of professionals involved in the care of young children, should refer children at risk of suffering from a disability or suspected of having a disability to EIP, unless parents object to the referral. The Salvation Army's daycare services programs provide quality child care for low-income families in three licensed day care centers located in downtown Syracuse. Since 1987, this program has provided evidence-based individual and family therapy along with child development and parent education. Eligible families can request that some or all of their child care costs be paid, depending on their circumstances. The OCFS Child Care Services Division is another great resource for families seeking child care services.
This division partners with the Syracuse City School District, the East Syracuse-Minoa Central School District, Southside Academy Charter School and the Liverpool Central School District to provide Primary Project services to help identified students become more emotionally resilient, develop better social skills, and improve school adjustment and learning. The OCFS also works with the Early Care and Learning Council, Inc., the main state child care agency responsible for subsidizing child care programs. This partnership helps families reduce the burden they face when seeking child care services. Families may also qualify for Medicaid or Child Health Plus health care coverage through the Marketplace. Reliable child care is a necessity for parents who must work outside the home to support their family. Finding quality child care services in Central New York can be a daunting task for many families.
Fortunately, there are several organizations that offer assistance with this process. The New York State Child Care Assistance Program provides financial assistance to families who need help paying for child care. The Salvation Army offers outreach activities to new and underserved residents of the neighborhoods near Westside and Eastside of the city. The OCFS Child Care Services Division partners with local school districts to provide Primary Project services to help identified students become more emotionally resilient.
Finally, families may qualify for Medicaid or Child Health Plus health care coverage through the Marketplace. For those seeking quality child care, these organizations provide invaluable resources that can make all the difference in providing a safe and secure environment for children. With their help, parents can rest assured that their children are receiving the best possible care.
