New York (WRGB) — Governor Hochul announced the launch of a new $100 million Child Care Capital Construction Funding Program aimed at expanding access to quality child care and increasing capacity statewide.

Officials say the initiative will provide financial support for the construction of new child care facilities and the expansion of existing programs, including school-age care, with the goal of creating 6,000 to 10,000 new child care seats for families across New York.

Applications for funding open January 12, 2026, and will close February 13, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced no earlier than April 15, 2026.

Governor Hochul said expanding access to affordable, high-quality child care remains a top priority.

Hochul said;

I deeply understand how important it is for New York State to continue to address the critical child care shortage that makes it difficult for families to find the safe, quality child care services they need. Our construction grants will go a long way to increase the availability of quality child care statewide. Affordable, high-quality child care is a necessity that I want to see extended to all New York families.

The Governor says this program adds to more than $8 billion already directed toward child care improvements under her administration, including:

Expanding access for 170,000 children statewide through the Child Care Assistance ProgramReducing operational burdens and stabilizing the child care workforceRaising reimbursement rates to help providers retain and hire staffSupporting employers with tax credits and a business navigator toolkit

The capital funding program, part of Hochul’s 2025 State of the State agenda, builds on a similar $50 million initiative launched in 2024, which supported about 5,500 new seats.

What the grants cover

Eligible applicants include not-for-profit and municipal providers licensed or registered by OCFS (Office of Children and Family Services), as well as NYC DOHMH-permitted group day care programs.

Grant funding can be used for:

Design and constructionReconstruction and renovationEquipment and capital improvements

Award amounts will range from $500,000 to $5 million. To ensure equitable distribution:

60% of funding will go to downstate (NYC, Long Island, Mid-Hudson)40% to the rest of the stateAid will be split 60% to child care centers and 40% to school-age programs within each region

Projects must be located in areas with child care shortages and maintain operation for at least eight years.

OCFS Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said,

OCFS is proud to work with Governor Hochul and the Dormitory Authority to implement this significant new initiative that will greatly increase the availability of quality child care throughout New York State. This program is a key part of the Governor’s historic effort to provide New York families with affordable, accessible, and quality child care that enables children to be well-cared for and nurtured while their parents are at work or furthering their education.

DASNY President Robert J. Rodriguez said,

Access to quality, affordable childcare is essential for New York families and communities to thrive. DASNY is proud to administer the Child Care Capital Construction Funding Program and help transform Governor Hochul’s vision into reality. This program reflects the Governor’s unwavering commitment to supporting working families and building the infrastructure that makes our communities stronger.