New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Commissioner John A. Johnson today announced that grants totaling nearly $450,000 have been awarded to 34 child care providers across the state for health and safety improvements.
"Since 1995, Governor George E. Pataki has made child care a top priority of New York State, giving more families access to high-quality, affordable child care and helping provide safe, nurturing environments for children to learn and grow," Commissioner Johnson said. "This funding is another example of the Governor's commitment to the children and families of New York State."
The grants are administered by OCFS and will help to improve the health and safety of children in child care across New York State.
Since 2004, $2.1 million has been awarded to help early childhood development programs provide a healthier and safer environment for children in care through the provision of small health and safety grants.
These funds may be used for activities to correct newly identified fire, health or safety problems. Examples include: the removal of hazards, such as lead paint; improvements to play areas and equipment; consultation, training and program development activities that substantially increase the capacity of a program to provide for the health and safety of a specific sub-population of children (such as children with a particular health need). Also, child care providers may use these funds to conduct minor remodeling that makes the child care program more accessible to children with disabilities.
Governor Pataki's Quality Child Care and Protection Act significantly improved the quality and safety of child care by requiring criminal background checks and training requirements for all child care providers. The act also increased oversight of child care centers and strengthened enforcement actions against providers who fail to comply with health and safety regulations.
For more information on how to find child care in New York State, visit the OCFS website at www.ocfs.state.ny.us.
The following grants were awarded:
| County | Amount |
|---|---|
| Allegany County | |
| ACCORD - Wellsville Head Start | $13,816 |
| Broome County | |
| Future Faces Childcare - Learning Center | $14,795 |
| All My Children Child Care Center | $14,980 |
| YMCA of Plattsburgh | $9,582 |
| Erie County | |
| Storytime Childcare | $13,800 |
| Children's Day Out Specialized Education Center | $15,000 |
| Essex County | |
| Tendercare Tot Center | $15,000 |
| Kings County (Brooklyn) | |
| Bambi Day Care Center | $15,000 |
| East Brooklyn Day Care Center | $14,257 |
| Lewis County | |
| Hand in Hand Early Childhood Center | $15,000 | Madison County |
| Oneida Area Day Care Center | $14,800 |
| Monroe County | |
| YMCA of Greater Rochester - Bay View Family Branch | $12,184 |
| Friendship Children's Center | $14,501 |
| Small World Nursery | $14,550 |
| Nassau County | |
| Marcus Avenue Early Childhood Development Program | $14,864 |
| New York County (Manhattan) | |
| Little Missionary's Day Nursery | $12,331 |
| Niagara County | |
| Abundant Life Assembly of God Church | $14,000 |
| Kiddie Haven Creative Center | $9,746 |
| Oneida County | |
| Half Pint Academy Child Care Center | $13,962 |
| Oneida Healthcare Systems | $12,100 |
| Queens County | |
| Hermy's Kiddy Corner | $15,000 |
| Hermy's Day Care | $15,000 |
| 82nd Street Academics | $15,000 |
| Cambria Center for the Gifted Child | $15,000 |
| Schenectady County | |
| Little Ones Nursery and Daycare | $8,550 |
| Steuben County | |
| Pathways | $11,113 |
| Suffolk County | |
| Planet Kids | $10,031 |
| Tutor Time of Smithtown | $13,600 |
| Sullivan County | |
| Sullivan County Community College | $15,000 |
| Sullivan County Head Start | $12,000 |
| Tompkins County | |
| Franziska Racker Centers | $14,240 |
| Ulster County | |
| The Park Center | $6,860 |
| Westchester County | |
| Tom Thumb Preschool Center | $14,925 |
| A Kid’s Place | $8,769 |
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