The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) will hold a virtual public hearing on New York State’s proposed three-year plan to receive assistance under the Social Security Act and the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Act of 2014, also known as the Child Care and Development Fund. The state’s proposed plan will cover the period of October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2024.

The purpose of this federal block grant program is to increase the availability, affordability and quality of child care services. Federal funds would be available to assist New York State in supporting subsidies for child day care services to low-income families upon the plan’s approval by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Funding also would be available for improving the quality of child day care services and increasing the availability of early childhood development programs, as well as before- and after-school services.

Pursuant to the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act, the public is invited to provide input into the development of the final plan, including input on program priorities for child care and avenues for local input in shaping the state’s child care agenda. Information about the state’s proposed three-year child care plan will be available on the OCFS website in mid-to-late April, 2021.

How to Submit Comments

Oral Testimony

Members of the public interested in providing oral testimony during the public hearings must participate through a computer to provide testimony and must register their intent to do so at least five days prior to the public hearing with the Division of Child Care Services, New York State Office of Children and Family Services. People may register by calling (518) 474-9454, or by submitting the registration form below. Oral testimony is limited to 10 minutes in length and must be followed up with written testimony within five days after the hearing.

·       Sign Up to Testify

Written Comments

Members of the public interested in submitting only written comments must mail such comments within five days after the public hearing to:

Division of Child Care Services
New York State Office of Children and Family Services
52 Washington Street, Room 309 South
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Attention: Rulyn Vogel

OR can email comments to: ocfs.sm.ccdf.comments@ocfs.ny.gov

OR can submit comments via fax to 518-474-1761.