Child Care
You are guaranteed child care if you are on cash assistance and need child care in order to meet any work participation requirements. You are also guaranteed assistance in paying for child care for one year after leaving cash assistance if you left due to employment and need child care to be able to continue working.
Important notice dated December 17, 2025:
Chemung County remains committed to supporting families, children, and the childcare providers who serve our community. We recognize that access to affordable, reliable childcare is essential to family stability, workforce participation, and children’s well-being. In the spirit of transparency and collaboration, we are sharing an important update regarding the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).
Over the past several years, Chemung County has closely monitored childcare assistance expenditures in relation to the funding allocated to our district by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) through the New York State Child Care Block Grant (NYSCCBG). During this period, childcare expenditures have increased significantly, while funding allocations have not experienced comparable growth.
This increase in expenditures is largely the result of several statewide policy changes, including:
- The implementation of a statewide cap on the parent/family share at 1%, whereas family contributions were previously as high as 35%.
- The expansion of income eligibility to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level in 2023. Prior eligibility was limited to 200%, resulting in a substantial increase in the number of eligible families.
- Authorization for childcare providers to bill for up to 80 absences per child per year, with additional absences allowed if a child changes providers.
- The elimination of hourly billing rates in favor of half-day or full-day rates, based on the length of care provided.
- Families approved for child care assistance receive at least 12 months of continuous eligibility without redetermination, as long as household income remains below 85% of the state medium income and the family continues to need care. Previously, redeterminations were completed every 6 months.
While these policy changes were designed to improve access to care and promote stability for families and providers, they have also resulted in a level of demand that exceeds the funding currently available to our district.
As a result of this statewide funding shortfall, Chemung County must take difficult but necessary steps to ensure that available resources are used responsibly and equitably. At this time, all available NYSCCBG funds are projected to be required to support existing childcare cases. Consequently, some CCAP applications and recertifications may be denied due to insufficient funding. Chemung County will not establish a waitlist at this time.
Families receiving Temporary Assistance will continue to be served under childcare guarantee provisions. In addition, Chemung County has received an approved waiver of 18 NYCRR 415.2(d)(1)(i), which allows the district to continue opening cases at recertification for families who fall within one or more of the following federal priority populations, provided funding is available:
- Families experiencing homelessness
- Families with income under 300% of the State Income Standard (SIS)
- Families with children who have special needs
Effective November 24, 2025, families who are recertifying and meet one or more of these priority criteria may remain open, contingent upon funding availability.
Please note that the Chemung County Department of Social Services has also submitted a pending waiver request to amend the definition of “very low income” to 200% of the State Income Standard for the purpose of prioritizing non-guaranteed applicants and recertifications. This request is intended to allow the district to continue supporting families with the greatest need and the fewest resources.
We understand that these changes may create uncertainty and challenges for families and providers. The Department of Social Services remains committed to supporting those affected during this transition and will continue to assess funding availability on an ongoing basis. When funding becomes available, eligible cases will be opened as resources allow.
We appreciate the patience, understanding, and continued partnership of our families, providers, and community members. Chemung County remains dedicated to monitoring NYSCCBG funding closely and advocating for the resources necessary to support childcare access across our community.
For questions related to payments for authorized cases or family eligibility, please contact the Chemung County Child Care Council at 607-734-3941.
How to Apply
In Chemung County, you can apply for Child Care at the following address:
Chemung County Child Care Council
1580 Lake Street Number 200
Elmira, NY 14901
Phone: 607-734-3941