Child Care Council of Westchester Announces Childcare Scholarships for First Responders

With grants from the Westchester Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund and RXR, The Child Care Council this week announced a new scholarship program to help families of first responders.

“Westchester’s first responders and essential workers shouldn’t be over-burdened by child-care costs as they work to serve and protect others during the COVID-19 emergency,’’ said Kathy Halas, Executive Director of the Child Care Council of Westchester.

Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester, said, “We owe a debt to our first responders and healthcare workers who should not have to worry about childcare. “We commend the Child Care Council, the Westchester Community Foundation and RXR for making this assistance possible.’’

Who is eligible:

If you live in Westchester County, are a first responder/essential staff working outside the home, and your gross household income is below 85% of NYS State Median Income, you should apply. [Your income might also make you eligible for a childcare subsidy through the Westchester Department of Social Services (DSS)]. If you are not found to be eligible for the Subsidy Program, you may be considered for this Scholarship Fund on a case-by-case basis, for example, if you are employed less than 20 hours/week.

Your gross household income needs to be under 85% State Median Income (see below). See Gross income eligibility:

Family of 2 – $55,453

Family of 3 – $68,501

Family of 4 – $81,549

Family of 5 – $94,597

Family of 6 – $107,645

Payments up to the NYS Market Rates for Westchester will be made directly to child care providers, to help first responders and essential workers pay for care right now. As part of our Scholarship Fund process, you will also be required to apply for a Westchester DSS subsidy; our scholarship could help pay for care until those funds come through. The subsidy would then replace the scholarship, subject to ongoing eligibility. The Child Care Council does not determine eligibility, award, or pay the subsidy, but our Subsidy Specialist will help parents complete the application.

Timing: You can apply for the scholarship today – funds are available now. The Childcare Council will do its best to review applications within 3 days, and get back to you with an answer ASAP. If you are approved, a payment could be made to your childcare provider within a week after submitting the enrollment form. The scholarship is renewable on a week-to-week basis, based upon the availability of funds and your eligibility for a Westchester DSS subsidy.

To fill out an application CLICK HERE

For more information CLICK HERE