We are committed to providing assistance with child care costs to all eligible families in support of their economic self-sufficiency.

Through the Child Care Assistance Program, eligible households are provided with assistance with the cost of providing quality child care that enhances the emotional, physical and educational well-being of children while the parent/caretaker is unavailable to provide 24 hour care.

Program Eligibility

Do you need assistance with child care costs? Child care is an essential service many families depend on, but finding affordable child care can be hard. Our team is here to help. Albany County is making it easier for eligible families to access child care subsidy assistance.

While child care subsidy assistance has been limited to work, job search and related activities, it has been expanded to include educational, vocational and training programs inclusive of a Bachelor’s Degree. It can also cover child care services for: income-eligible families participating in a treatment program; homeless families conducting housing search; teen parents attending high school; or families in need of protective care.

As of October 1, 2023 Child Care Assistance Programs Subsidies are available to families with gross income less than 85% of the State Medium Income. Families who previously did not qualify for assistance may qualify now.

Parent Fees

As part of NYS regulations some families must pay a portion of their child care expense to their chosen child care provider. This payment is called the Parent Fee or Family Share. The actual amount will vary according to the family’s income, household size and program eligibility, but will be a minimum of $1.00 per week.

How to Apply

 Simply download these documents to get started!

1. General Instructions
2. NYS Application for Child Care Assistance (OCFS-6025) [updated June 2024]
3. How To Complete the NYS Application for Child Care Assistance (OCFS-6026) [updated July 2024]
4. Accessing Applicant/Recipient Informational Books (LDSS-5084)
5. Child Care Assistance Questionnaire [updated July 2024]
6. Child Care Assistance Self-Attestation Absent Parent Form
7. Child Care Assistance Employer’s Form [updated July 2024]

Child Care Providers

Albany County is making it easier for child care providers to become certified, including center and home based care providers, family members, close friends or other trusted caregivers. Certified providers who care for children that qualify of the Child Care Assistance Program can receive subsidies from our Department of Social Services. To become a provider simply contact:

Brightside Up, Inc.
Phone: (518) 426-7181
Toll-free: 1 (800) 521 KIDS (5437)
Email: info@brightsideup.org

Questions

Families and providers who have questions can contact the Albany County Department of Socials Services Child Care subsidy Unit by:

Email: DSSCCSU@albanycountyny.gov
Phone: (518) 447-7435

Additional Resources

To obtain free child care resource and referral information that can help you with locating and choosing a child care provider please contact:

Brightside Up, Inc.
Phone: (518) 426-7181
Toll-free: 1 (800) 521 KIDS (5437)
Email: info@brightsideup.org
Website: www.brightsideup.org

For additional information on child care, please visit the State Office of Children and Family Services at https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/