Daycare
Overview
Oneida County Department of Family and Community Services offers Child Care Assistance for recipients of Temporary Assistance who are working or participating in an approved training or educational program.
Child Care Assistance is also available for individuals who are not receiving Temporary Assistance. These individuals must be:
- Financially eligible
- Be employed a minimum of 10 hours per week and/or enrolled in an approved educational/training program
- Or be a Foster Parent
An approved educational program can be an individual enrolled in High School/GED program or an approved 2-year College Degree/Certificate program.
Those who qualify for Child Care Assistance are able to choose their own Child Care provider. The Department works closely with The Child Care Council of Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCCCE). Families can select from a list, provided by The Child Care Council, of Daycare Centers or Licensed/Certified Family Child Care providers. Parent/Caretaker may also select a friend, relative, neighbor etc. who can apply to be enrolled as an Informal (Legally-Exempt) Child Care provider.
Those who are receiving Temporary Assistance in Oneida County and have questions regarding Child Care Assistance should contact their Workforce Development Counselor at (315) 798-5015.
Those who are not receiving Temporary Assistance can call (315)-266-6191 with any questions or to ask for a Child Care Application. An application can also be requested by emailing DSSDAYCARE@oneidacountyny.gov.
State Income Standards
Below are the annual income guidelines to be used, effective 6/1/2024 - 5/31/2025 to determine eligibility for childcare services funded by the CCBG.
| Family Size | State Median Income (SMI) for New York | 85% SMI for New York |
|---|---|---|
1 |
$66,457.04 |
$56,488.48 |
2 |
$86,905.36 |
$73,869.56 |
3 |
$107,353.68 |
$91,250.63 |
4 |
$127,802.00 |
$108,631.70 |
5 |
$148,250.32 |
$126,012.77 |
6 |
$168,698.64 |
$143,393.84 |
7 |
$172,532.70 |
$146,652.80 |
8 |
$176,366.76 |
$149,911.75 |
9 |
$180,200.82 |
$153,170.70 |
10 |
$184,034.88 |
$156,429.65 |
11 |
$187,868.94 |
$159,688.60 |
12 |
$191,703.00 |
$162,947.55 |
13 |
$195.537.06 |
$166.206.50 |
14 |
$199,371.12 |
$169,465.45 |
15 |
$203,205.18 |
$172,724.40 |
16 |
$207,039.24 |
$175,983.35 |
17 |
$210,873.30 |
$179,242.31 |
18 |
$214,707.36 |
$182,501.26 |
19 |
$218,541.42 |
$185,760.21 |
20 |
$222,375.48 |
$189,019.16 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost for childcare to the parent/caretaker?
As part of NYS regulations all Non Temporary Assistance families receiving child care subsidies must pay a portion of their child care expense. This portion is called the family share or parent fee. The amount varies according to the family size and income with the minimum cost being $1.00 per week. This share is paid directly to the provider.
What are the age guidelines for childcare?
The child must be between 6 weeks and 12 years old. A child with special needs, may still be eligible past age 13 with documentation from a medical or mental professional.
How are providers reimbursed?
Providers submit timesheets that are provided by the District, on a monthly basis. Payments are processed the month after the daycare is provided. Checks are mailed directly to the Child Care provider.
Must a daycare provider be licensed/registered to receive payment?
No, however a provider chosen by the parent who is not licensed/registered must fill out an application and be enrolled by the Child Care Council prior to the District authorizing payment. This application for the provider will be given to the parent AFTER eligibility is determined.
How can I obtain a list of certified/licensed Child Care) Providers?
Contact the Child Care Council of Cornell Cooperative Extension.
How can I explore becoming a certified/licensed Child Care Provider?
Contact the local Daycare registration office at the Neighborhood Center (315) 732-4871. For additional information please visit https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare.
What is the Child and Adult Care Food Program CACFP?
Child and Adult Food Program (CACFP) is a nutrition education and meal reimbursement program helping providers serve nutritious and safely prepared meals and snacks to children in day care settings. The following are eligible:
- Registered family day care providers.
- Licensed group family day care providers.
- Legally exempt, or informal, providers that receive child care payments from a County or City agency.
How can I apply to receive Child Care Assistance?
Call Oneida County Department of Family and Community Services Day Care Unit at (315) 266-6191 with any questions, or to ask for a Child Care Application.
An application can also be requested by emailing DSSDAYCARE@oneidacountyny.gov.
If I have a Child Care Complaint, who do I contact?
The State Office of Children and Family Services maintains a toll-free line for complaints about daycare programs.
If you wish to make a complaint, call 1-800-732-5207.
