Three different counties are officially getting the green light for free child care. This means that BEFORE Universal Pre-K, childcare will be free for newborns to 3 years old.
Governor Kathy Hochl made the announcement on New York State website:
As part of her $4.5 billion investment to deliver statewide universal child care, Governor Hochul today announced the State will partner with Dutchess County, Monroe County and Broome County in a new State pilot program to help counties offer additional child care options in their communities. This pilot program will include a total of $60 million in State funding, along with new investments from each of the three counties, as they expand child care access with a particular focus on serving children 0-3.
The idea is to roll out Free Daycare to all families in New York State by the time that 2029 ends. The goal is set to help families all across the State no matter their background, work history or income.
Right now, not every school district offers Universal Pre-K. For example, Western New York school districts like Lancaster, New York and Hamburg, New York both have the program, but such as the case in Lancaster, it is not 100% guaranteed that your child will get in the Universal Pre K. If your district does not offer Universal Pre-K, or you don’t know what that means. Usually, it is from the district itself OR a third party that will host and run a Pre-K for residents at NO cost. Sometimes there is not enough space to host every single kid that needs a spot, so their is a lottery.
Bald Eagle Flies Through Hamburg, New York
Gallery Credit: Clay Moden