NEW CITY – Rockland County Executive Ed Day, Department of Social Services Commissioner Joan Silvestri, and Child Care Resources of Rockland Executive Director Vicki Caramante announce that the Department of Social Services Child Care Subsidy program is open and accepting applications for low-income Rockland families.
“We recognize the difficulties of working and managing childcare and this program goes a long way towards helping those most in need,” said County Executive Day. “We are doing everything possible within County Government to support residents and businesses that have reopened in line with our ‘Safety First, People Always’ motto.”
Families may be eligible for subsidies provided by the Department of Social Services if they are meeting income thresholds (see chart below) and the parent/caregiver is working a minimum of 20 hours per week earning at least minimum wage. Please call 845-364-2797 to be prescreened and to receive an application or email RocklandCCR@dfa.state.ny.us for general information about the program.
Child Care Resources of Rockland connects program participants and parents with over 235 childcare programs within the County including in-home care, childcare centers, and programs that provide before-or after-school care. Parents with questions about who will care for their children while they work should call them at 845-425-0009 ext. 0 or email info@rocklandchildcare.org.
“An increasing number of parents are calling in asking questions during these unprecedented times. Some families never wanted or needed formal childcare; however, they now have school-age children in need of care and support while attending school remotely. We understand parents’ fears, anxiety, and desperation to find acceptable childcare,” said Vicki Caramante, Executive Director of Child Care Resources of Rockland.“We have seen parents seeking information on social media or suggesting they care for children in their own homes without knowing about appropriate licensing and safety regulations. Please do not rely on social media alone; contact our professional and knowledgeable staff instead.”
Child Care Resources is familiar with the ages of the children accepted in each program in Rockland and the hours of operation. They also provide program staff training on what is necessary to operate a safe, quality program. In addition to providing a list of childcare options, Child Care Resources staff has the knowledge and expertise to talk families through the process of finding the right type of care for their child/ren. Referrals are free.
Effective August 19th, 2020, school-aged children are now eligible to receive childcare during school hours if they are attending a childcare program and participate in remote learning.
Income Threshold Chart
June 1, 2020, through May 31, 2021
| Family Size | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
| 1 | $2,126 | $25,520 |
| 2 | $2,873 | $34,480 |
| 3 | $3,620 | $43,440 |
| 4 | $4,366 | $52,400 |
| 5 | $5,113 | $61,360 |
| 6 | $5,860 | $70,320 |
| 7 | $6,606 | $79,280 |
| 8 | $7,353 | $88,240 |
For family units with more than eight members, add $746 monthly or $8,960 annually for each additional family member.
| Minimum Wage | ||
| 2020 | 2021 | |
| NYC | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Long Island and Westchester | $13.00 | $14.00 |
| NJ | $11.00 | $12.00 |
| Rockland | $11.80 | $12.50 |
