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Apply for Child Care Vouchers
Six weeks to 13 years old, and up to 19 years old for children with disabilities.
Immigration Status Requirements: The child needing child care must have a "qualified" status: U.S. citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident, refugee, asylee, certain type of parole status, and other statuses. During the application process, the parent will be asked to submit documentation verifying satisfactory immigration status.
A family may qualify for a voucher if 1) the family's income falls below specific income criteria and 2) have one of the following reasons for seeking child care (in a two-parent household, both parents will each need a reason for care):
The applicant will be asked for documents to verify eligibility. Vouchers can be used at a provider of the family’s choice.
Families should apply through MyCity. Staff can help the parent complete the application online or the parent can complete the application on their own. The parent will need to create a nyc.gov/childcarevouchers.
To locate a licensed child care center visit nyc.gov and search “Child Care Connect.” To find a registered home-based child care program in New York City, use this Child Care Search tool.
Apply for NYC Public Schools Early Childhood Education Programs
Between six weeks and 3 years old (who are not yet age-eligible for 3K) - care is available in centers and family child care (home-based) settings.
Immigration Status Requirements: The child needing child care must have a "qualified" status: U.S. citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident, refugee, asylee, certain type of parole status, and other statuses. During the application process, the parent will be asked to submit documentation verifying satisfactory immigration status.
A family may qualify for an Infant/Toddler Extended Day and Year seat if 1) the family's income falls below specific income criteria and 2) have one of the following reasons for seeking child care (in a two-parent household, both parents will each need a reason for care):
The applicant will be asked for documents to verify eligibility.
If found eligible, the family will be notified through e-mail and mail. The parent should take the notice to the provider to complete the enrollment.
Immigration Status Requirements: The child needing child care must have a "qualified" status: U.S. citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident, refugee, asylee, certain type of parole status, and other statuses. During the application process, the parent will be asked to submit documentation verifying satisfactory immigration status.
A family may qualify for a 3-K and Pre-K (pre-kindergarten) Extended Day and Year if 1) the family's income falls below specific income criteria and 2) have one of the following reasons for seeking child care (in a two-parent household, both parents will each need a reason for care):
The applicant will be asked for documents to verify eligibility.
If found eligible, the family will be notified through e-mail and mail. The parent should take the notice to the provider to complete the enrollment.
There are no additional eligibility requirements. Services are provided at no-cost during the school-day; typically, 8am-3pm.
Go to MySchools.nyc to browse the NYC schools directory to find a provider.
If the family is seeking immediate care, contact the provider directly; if the family is interested in a provider for the fall, add the child to the waitlist in MySchools.
Apply for Early Head Start and Head Start
Services are available to children ages birth to five years old in centers and homes.
Some Early Head Start and Head Start providers are affiliated with NYC Public Schools and these providers only serve children ages 2-5 years old in centers only.
Immigration Status Requirements: None. Eligible families with children are welcome to enroll in Head Start and Early Head Start regardless of immigration status.
Services are provided at no-cost. The provider will ask for one or more documents to verify eligibility.
Find all of New York City’s Early Head Start or Head Start providers by visiting the
Office of Head Start website and contact a provider directly to apply.
In addition, for Early Head Start and Head Start providers affiliated with NYCPS, families can visit MySchools.nyc to browse the NYC schools directory and search by Pre-K or 3-K to find Head Start providers serving 3-5 year olds; for Early Head Start providers serving 2-3 year olds, select 3-K then "More Filters" and choose "Early Head Start." Contact the provider directly to apply.
If the family is interested in a NYCPS Early Head Start or Head Start provider for the fall, add the child to the waitlist in MySchools.
If you are currently receiving Cash Assistance (CA) Benefits, then you can connect your ACCESS HRA Account to your CA case and request assistance with Child Care online. If you would like to apply for Cash Assistance and child care visit ACCESS HRA.
