Your Guide to ACS Funded Child Care Programs in Brooklyn

Are you a Brooklyn family seeking affordable and reliable child care? Navigating the landscape of child care options in New York City can be overwhelming, but the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) offers crucial support through its funded child care programs. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Acs Funded Child Care Programs In Brooklyn, ensuring your child receives the quality care they deserve while easing the financial burden on your family.

Understanding ACS Child Care Assistance in Brooklyn

The ACS plays a vital role in ensuring access to early care and education for families across New York City, including Brooklyn. Their child care assistance programs are designed to support working families, those in education or training, and families facing specific challenges. If you’re a Brooklyn resident, understanding these programs is the first step toward securing quality child care.

Who is Eligible for ACS Funded Child Care in Brooklyn?

Eligibility for ACS child care assistance is primarily based on your family’s income and your “reason for care.” Here’s a breakdown to help you determine if you might qualify:

Income Limits: Your family income must be below 85% of the State Median Income. You can find the specific income thresholds for your family size on the ACS website.

Reason for Care: You must have an approved reason for needing child care assistance. This includes at least one of the following:

Employment: Working 10 or more hours per week.
Education or Vocational Training: Enrolled in an educational or vocational training program.
Job Seeking: Actively looking for employment.
Temporary Housing: Living in temporary housing (families in temporary housing receive priority access).
Domestic Violence Services: Attending services for domestic violence.
Substance Abuse Treatment: Receiving treatment for substance abuse.

Additional Eligibility Factors:

Residency: You must be a resident of New York City, and this guide specifically focuses on programs available in Brooklyn.
Family Size: Eligibility considers your family size.

To get a quick preliminary assessment of your eligibility, you can use the ACS eligibility survey.

How to Apply for ACS Child Care Programs in Brooklyn

Applying for ACS child care assistance is now more streamlined than ever through the MyCity online portal. Here’s how you can apply:

1. Apply Online via MyCity:

The preferred and fastest method to apply for child care assistance is through the MyCity portal. MyCity allows you to:

Submit your application electronically.
Upload required documentation.
Track the status of your application in real-time.

Visit MyCity to create an account and begin your application. The online system is user-friendly and designed to guide you through each step of the process.

2. Apply by Mail (Alternative Method):

While online application is encouraged, you can still apply by mail if needed.

Download Application Forms: Printable application forms are available on the ACS Forms for Families page.
Complete the Application: Fill out all sections of the application form accurately and completely.
Gather Documentation: Collect all required documents to verify your eligibility (proof of income, reason for care, residency, etc.).
Mail Your Application: Send the completed application and documentation to:
```
NYC Children - EDU
PO Box 40
Maplewood, NJ 07040
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Important Note: If you apply online through MyCity, do not send a paper application as this may cause delays in processing your application.

Need Help with Your Application?

If you require assistance with the application process, the ACS Call Center is available to provide support.

ACS Call Center: 212-835-7610
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Child Care Options with ACS Vouchers in Brooklyn

Once you are deemed eligible and receive a child care voucher, you can choose from a range of licensed child care providers in Brooklyn. ACS vouchers can be used for:

Day Care Centers: Center-based programs offering structured care and early education.
Family Child Care Providers: Care provided in a home setting, often offering more flexible hours and a family-like environment.
Group Child Care: Smaller group settings that can provide more individualized attention.

You can explore a list of eligible child care providers in Brooklyn through the ACS resources and referral services. It’s important to visit potential providers, ask questions, and choose a setting that best meets your child’s needs and your family’s preferences.

Specific Programs and Support for Brooklyn Families

ACS offers targeted support for families in specific circumstances within Brooklyn:

Families Experiencing Homelessness in Brooklyn:

Families in shelters or temporary housing in Brooklyn are prioritized for child care assistance. If you are in this situation:

Select “Homelessness” as Reason for Care: Indicate “Homelessness” in Section 3 of your application.
Submit Housing Questionnaire: Include a housing questionnaire with your application.
Free Child Care: You may be eligible for completely free child care assistance.

For more detailed information, refer to the Early Care & Education Programs for Families Experiencing Homelessness Flyer.

Families on Cash Assistance in Brooklyn:

If you are receiving Cash Assistance from HRA and are working or participating in work-related activities (including education), you may be eligible for child care.

Contact Your HRA Benefits Access Center: Reach out to your HRA Benefits Access Center to apply for child care assistance. More information is available on the HRA website.

Transitional Child Care (TCC) for Brooklyn Residents:

If you were previously on Cash Assistance but are no longer eligible, you might qualify for Transitional Child Care (TCC) for up to one year.

Contact [email protected]: Email [email protected] to inquire about eligibility and application for TCC.

Families Receiving Child Welfare Services in Brooklyn:

Families involved with Child Welfare Services, including foster families or those receiving prevention or protective services, can access child care assistance.

Contact Your Caseworker or Case Planner: Your caseworker or case planner will need to submit a referral form to ACS. Communicate with them to ensure they have the necessary information to process your referral.

Promise NYC for Immigrant Families in Brooklyn:

The Promise NYC program is a groundbreaking initiative providing child care assistance to low-income immigrant families, including undocumented families, who are not eligible for federally funded programs.

Community-Based Organizations: ACS partners with community organizations experienced in serving immigrant communities to administer this program. Further details will be available as the program expands.

Conclusion: Securing Quality Child Care for Your Brooklyn Child

Navigating child care options can be complex, but ACS funded child care programs in Brooklyn are a significant resource for families in need. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and available support programs, you can take proactive steps to secure quality, affordable child care for your child. Don’t hesitate to utilize the resources mentioned in this guide, and reach out to the ACS Call Center or MyCity portal for personalized assistance. Investing in child care is an investment in your child’s future and your family’s well-being.

For more comprehensive information on early care and education services in NYC, you can review the Early Care & Education Programs for New York City Families flyer.