As the landscape of the workforce suddenly and drastically changes around us, WDI has taken this opportunity to ensure our essential workforce support program, Child Care Subsidy Facilitated Enrollment Program, is up and running to provide the critical assistance needed for New Yorkers to maintain their employment. While some families have experienced layoffs or have been charged with working from home, essential workers now have an unexpected expense, child care. With schools closing and many families left scrambling to find affordable and quality child care, our Child Care Subsidy Team has been actively coordinating with counties to ensure that those families affected by COVID-19 continue to have access to child care assistance.
While this is good news for our families, it is also good news for child care providers. Many providers were unsure how the pandemic would affect their small businesses. Thankfully, our local Departments of Socials Services (DSS) have applied for waivers with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (NYS OCFS).
Counties have made the decision to expand and extend their capacity during this national health crisis. The waivers provided by different counties vary from providing an increase for the number of absences allowed, extending program closures, expanding income eligibility, extending redeterminations on existing cases, to waiving weekly family shares for those impacted by COVID-19.
WDI’s Child Care Subsidy Program Associates have been working closely with counties to help facilitate this transition. While we are taking social distancing measures working remotely, the team remains focused and dedicated to helping working families navigate through these trying times.
For more information on how to apply, visit the Child Care Subsidy Program webpage or contact your local Child Care Subsidy Program Associate to discuss applicable waivers in your region.
