NEW YORK — Child care providers in New York State looking to expand their centers or build new ones may be eligible for a Child Care Capital Program (CCCP) grant.

Awards range from $500,000 to $1.5 million.

The program is overseen by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York.

Funding will be split 60 percent for the downstate region — New York City, Long Island, and Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties — and 40 percent for the rest of the state.

The CCCP will provide reimbursement grants for state-licensed child day care centers, whether they are existing or proposed, not-for-profit or for-profit. The facility must be intended for use as a child care program for at least eight years. Projects must be shovel-ready, demonstrate the ability to be licensed and fully operational within six months of completing construction, and worth at least $500,000.

Applicants must first pre-qualify through New York State Grants Gateway. Final applications will be accepted through March 31. Awards will be announced on or after July 15.

For more information email GrantsReform@its.ny.gov or call 518-474-5595. OCFS and DASNY will host Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an informational webinar about the CCCP on January 24. The webinar is hosted by the Office of Children and Family Services and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York.

New York State is also making $25 million available for the Child Care Creation and Expansion Tax Credit each year for two years, or $50 million in total, for businesses that provide new licensed or registered child day care seats for the infants or toddlers of their employees, either directly or through a third-party. The application to receive tax credits for child care seats created in 2023 closes on January 31.