Onondaga County Childcare Center Welcomes DSS Subsidy for Daycare Fees

Onondaga County Childcare Center Welcomes DSS Subsidy for Daycare Fees


Find Affordable Child Care Near You

The cost of daycare is a major household expense and may be an obstacle for some local families who are employed or attending an approved school or training program.  Help is available to find affordable child care near you in the Syracuse NY area.

 

Free Daycare Near Me

A top searched term on Google in Onondaga County is “free daycare” or “free childcare” or “daycare grant”. These show an increased need for education about options available in paying for daycare.

 

Subsidy Helps Fund Daycare for Low Income Families

If you work full time or attend an approved school, training program or college, you may be eligible for a daycare subsidy through your local Department of Social.

 

The Onondaga County Day Care Unit can review cases for eligibility that an individual is going to a two-year full-time degree granting program at a community college, a two-year college, or an undergraduate college with a specific vocational goal leading to an associate degree or certificate of completion. For additional information visit the Onondaga County Office of Children and Family Services website and the Onondaga Day Care Services website or call 315-435-5683.

 

Daycare Center Accepts Subsidy from DSS

Little Lukes Childcare Center is a licensed daycare center with locations in Oswego, Fulton, Pulaski and East Syracuse caring for children ages 6 weeks – 12 years. Full time care is available from 7am-6pm, (6:30-5:30 in Pulaski). Daycare for school age children includes after school care with bussing for Oswego City Schools, Fulton City Schools, Pulaski Schools, and Jamesville Dewitt Schools.

 

Parents and caregivers in Onondaga County who meet the income guidelines and attend work or school may be eligible for subsidy to help pay for daycare. This includes parents attending high school or college, working full time or in work training. 

 

Onondaga County’s requirements include a simplified application and a Registered/Licensed Provider Form. School and/or employment attendance may be verified. Ongoing attendance at school and/or work is monitored and the daycare payment is only paid when requirements are met. County approval is required before any subsidy payment is available.

 

Top Questions about Onondaga County Daycare Subsidy:

 

Do I have to work full time to get a daycare subsidy?

To be eligible for a full time daycare subsidy payment you must work full time or attend school full time and work part time. Contact the county for other eligibility requirements and any details. If you work part time and get part time daycare subsidy, you have to pay for the rest of the cost for your full time daycare spot. Ask the county about options if you have a private licensed daycare provider or other arrangements for daycare.

 

Is there Free Daycare in Syracuse?

Syracuse Onondaga County Department of Social Services (DSS) offers subsidies for some families who meet requirements and maintain full time or part time work, or attend school full time and maintain a part time job. Little Lukes accepts DSS subsidies as part of the daycare fee, but the family must pay the family portion or share required. The parent fee or family share varies according to the family’s income.

 

Do I have to pay a part of the Daycare Cost?

The parent share or family payment is required to pay all daycare expenses not covered by the subsidy. The family share can vary from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars based on income, eligibility and number of children in care. The family share varies based on the household income and ability to pay the childcare costs. The county can also help with the 1-time enrollment fee.

 

How do I get started on the application or for questions?

According to the Day Care Services page, parents or guardians must call (315) 435-5683 to request an application or stop by the office and pick up an application in person. The office in located at 421 Montgomery Street, 5th Floor Civic Center, Syracuse, New York, 13202. Office hours are 8am-4pm Monday-Friday.


  • For more details on Onondaga County Daycare and Childcare Services, visit http://ongov.net/dss/dayCare.html
  • This information is provided as a helpful Q&A to inform families of options and is not a complete guide or guarantee of success in receiving a subsidy. Contact your county for details and specifics.


Does Oswego County offer Free Daycare?

If you live in Oswego County, contact the Oswego County Department of Social Services for an application and provider packet at childcare@oswegocounty.com, 315-963-5456, 315-963-5278. Or stop by the office located at 100 Spring Street, Mexico, New York 13114. Office hours are 8:30am-4pm. Visit the Oswego County DSS website at http://oswegocounty.com/dss/childcare.html