Child Care

Child Care Program

Child Care (Day Care) is a critical element for families who are trying to gain and/or maintain employment and self-sufficiency. Parents who would like to know if they qualify for child care assistance can call for a telephone screening. A mail-in application process is available to those who have completed the telephone screening or an appointment for an interview can be scheduled.

Parents throughout Orange County are developing plans so that they can work and homeschool their children this fall.

The County’s Department of Social Services has put together a fact sheet with important COVID-19-related childcare information to help parents navigate as they prepare for school.

  • If you’re employed, working from home, and you have children that require child care, and you’re otherwise eligible for child care subsidy, you can select a licensed provider or legally exempt provider (for child care in your home or the providers home).
  • If you’re employed and your school aged children need childcare while remote learning, and you are otherwise eligible for childcare subsidy, you can select the provider of your choice licensed or legally exempt.
  • If you’re in need of childcare subsidy, otherwise eligible, and work non-traditional hours you are eligible to receive childcare for up to eight hours sleep time.
  • Effective August 1st, 2020 Orange County has reduced the parent fee calculator from 35 percent to 20 percent, which will reduce the amount of your weekly parent fee.
  • Otherwise eligible for childcare subsidy is defined as income eligible and a child application and required documents have been submitted.
  • You can request a childcare application by calling (845) 615-5452.
  • Eligibility is currently set at 200 percent of poverty.
  • These regulations are in effect as of August 17th, 2020 and may be modified by the Orange County Department of Social Services or the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

The Orange County Department of Social Services has been granted a waiver to provide additional benefits under the Child Care Assistance Program due to COVID-19.  The following benefits became effective April 1st, 2021. The COVID-19 Child Care Waiver will expire on July 31st, 2021.

Eligibility Threshold

Effective January 1st, 2020, the Orange County Department of Social Services will continue accepting cases in the 176% - 200% income band.  We hope to maintain the income band at this level through December 31, 2020.

Public Assistance Cases Requiring Employment Services

Effective January 1st, 2020: All open Public Assistance cases requiring Employment Services can qualify for Child Care. In addition, people in the following Income Bands can qualify for assistance:

101 - 125 % of the poverty level (currently open)

126 - 150 % of the poverty level (currently open) and

151 - 175% of the poverty level (currently open)

176 - 200% of the poverty level (continued eligible income band) *

*Orange County will maintain the 176 -- 200% income band through December 31, 2020.

Cases will be opened according to State approved income bands starting with 100% going to 125%, 126% -150%, 151% -175% and 176% - 200. However, Orange County can designate the eligibility thresholds within the approved income bands. In the event of a waiting list within these eligible income bands; those families on a waiting list the longest will open first.

Orange County will include child care for homeless individuals and/or victims of domestic violence who are employed or attending an approved college, school or vocational program.

Transitional Child Care Assistance

Transitional child care assistance is available for a limited time for qualified persons who no longer qualify for temporary assistance due to achieving economic independence through employment. Individuals can consult with the Child Care unit for additional information.