child care

Roughly a quarter of Steuben County residents experiencing poverty are under the age of 18.

“It could really change the whole way that child care is done, it could change the child care system going forward."

“We were told two weeks ago it was done, ready to go. I don’t know what the hold up is.”

It’s the latest stress the industry has faced since COVID-19 turned the child care sector upside down in March.

“If the pandemic was over today, and our economy was back to where it was pre-pandemic, we would probably be in a pretty good place. I think the concern really comes in when we look at the future.”

“We find the data is suggesting children should be wearing masks any time they are outside of their family’s home and can’t maintain a distance of 6 or more feet.”

"We are more than happy to provide childcare. It’s complicated. It’s not easy. But it’s our mission."

The Y, and New York City's Department of Education, have been caring for tens of thousands of children during the pandemic. Neither has had reports of coronavirus clusters or outbreaks.

$20 million will be available to help reopen and expand capacity for child care providers, and $45 million will be available to help pay for the cost of a newly opened classroom.

“There’s just not enough availability for every kid that wants to be in day care to be in day care in most states today."