Following a year of debate and legal action, the family share for subsidized child care did increase from 20% to 27% in the 2013 Westchester County budget, the result of a compromise crafted by the Republican Caucus and two Democrats on the Board of Legislators.    The increase went into effect on February 1st.  Subsidy eligibility remained at up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is $37,060 for a household of three.    

Even with this increase, Westchester’s Child Care Subsidy Program is more “family-friendly” than many other NYS counties which have reduced eligibility significantly and increased their family contributions to 30% and more.   But the contrast between Westchester today with Westchester in 2010 is stark.   In early 2010, the family share was 10%, eligibility for Low Income was up to 200%, and Title XX Child Care extended to families earning up to 225% to 275% of the Federal Poverty Level, depending on household size.   A household of three could earn up to $47,252 and be financially eligible for child care financial assistance.   On top of that, the Westchester Child Care Scholarship Program, created by the Board of Legislators in 2006, was in existence, distributing child care scholarship awards averaging around $3,600 to 220 families just over the Title XX eligibility cap.   This approach to child care financial assistance had been carefully developed and implemented over several budget cycles to address the particular affordability challenges for Westchester families.  The same financial eligibility guidelines for child care subsidy are used throughout the state, despite tremendous differences in cost of living.

While relieved that County Executive Astorino’s proposed family share of 35% was not adopted, the increase to 27% was disappointing, particularly in view of the steady public support for 20% throughout the year and during the budget hearing process.    The Council’s Board of Directors adopted a Public Policy Agenda for 2013 calling for a family share of 20%.   The Council will be working with the child care community to gather data on the impact of this increase on families and the child care businesses themselves.    

The Council will continue to call on Westchester County to strive once again to be a model for child care affordability, access and quality rather than settle for what other counties are doing, particularly in light of the growing evidence that quality early learning is the key to academic success and workforce preparedness.