1. CCAP: Help Paying for Child Care
What is CCAP?
- A program in New York State that helps families pay for child care.
- Supports parents who are working, going to school, or going through a hard time.
Who can get it?
- Children up to age 13.
- Children with special needs up to age 18.
Where can families use CCAP?
- Licensed child care centers or home daycares.
- Before- and after-school programs.
- Relatives or friends (if the county approves them).
Who runs it?
Counties, like Westchester, give the help directly to families.
Money comes from the federal government, New York State, and each county.
The Office of Children and Family Services runs CCAP.
2. Who’s Eligible?
To qualify for CCAP, families must meet these criteria:
- Child’s Age: Under 13 (or under 18 with special needs).
- Parental Activity: Parents must be working, in school or training, job-seeking, or in certain qualifying circumstances (domestic violence services, homelessness, treatment programs).
- Income Threshold: At or below 85% of the State Median Income (SMI).
- Example: For a family of 4, $113,567 per year.
- Recertification: Required every 12 months.
Guaranteed eligibility applies if:
- You are on Temporary Assistance and need care for work/required activities.
- You recently lost Temporary Assistance due to increased earnings (if under 200% FPL).
3. Westchester’s Role & Partnership with NY State
Westchester County plays a hands-on role in CCAP. Through its Department of Social Services (DSS) and in partnership with the Child Care Council of Westchester (CCCW):
- Westchester implements state CCAP guidelines.
- It supplements access with its Westchester Works Scholarship.
- CCCW acts as the frontline partner, helping families apply, connect to providers, and access scholarships.
- This state–county partnership ensures Albany funding flows into local, family-focused support that reflects Westchester’s higher cost of living.
4. What Families Pay in CCAP (Parent Share)
Families pay a small weekly “parent share,” based on income above the poverty level.
Formula:
(Gross income – 100% Federal Poverty Level) × 0.01 ÷ 52 = weekly parent share
Examples:
| Family Size | Gross Income | 100% FPL | Weekly Parent Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | $35,000 | $20,440 | $2.80/week |
| 3 | $60,000 | $25,820 | $6.56/week |
| 4 | $100,000 | $31,200 | $13.23/week |
This payment is made directly to the child care provider. The county/state covers the rest.
Duration of Support
- Assistance lasts for 12 months.
- Families must reapply yearly with updated documents.
5. How to Apply for CCAP in Westchester
- Online: New York State CCAP Application Portal
- Check Eligibility: CCAP Online Questionnaire
- Mail/Fax/Phone:
- Child Care Assistance Office
- 10 County Center Rd, 2nd Floor, White Plains, NY 10607
- Phone: (914) 995-6521 / (914) 995-6522
- Fax: (914) 813-4309
- In Person: Request packets at any Westchester DSS District Office.
Part 2: The Westchester Works Child Care Scholarship
1. What It Is
For families who earn too much for CCAP but still struggle with child care costs, Westchester offers the Westchester Works Scholarship, managed by CCCW. The Westchester Works Child Care Scholarship is a county-funded program created in 2022. It was designed to help middle-income families who earn too much for CCAP but still cannot afford Westchester’s high child care costs.
It is administered by the Child Care Council of Westchester (CCCW) in partnership with Westchester County.
2. Eligibility for Westchester Works
- Residency: Must live in Westchester County.
- Income: Household income between 85% of the State Median Income (SMI) and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
- Employment: Parents must work at least 10 hours per week at minimum wage or higher.
- Provider Requirement: Care must be provided in Westchester by an OCFS-regulated or CCCW-approved provider.
- Exclusions: Families already receiving CCAP or other subsidies are not eligible.
- Status: Currently waitlisted due to demand.
Key Details
- Must live in Westchester.
- Parents must work at least 10 hours/week earning minimum wage or higher.
- Income thresholds: between 85% SMI and 400% FPL (e.g., $113,568–$124,800 for a family of 4).
- Child care must be through an OCFS-approved provider in Westchester.
- Families pay the difference between the scholarship award and provider fees.
- Scholarships run through Dec 31, 2025.
- Currently waitlisted due to demand.
This program bridges the “middle-income gap”—families who don’t qualify for CCAP but can’t afford full tuition.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | CCAP (State Program) | Westchester Works (County Program) |
|---|---|---|
| Funding | Federal + State + County | County only |
| Eligibility | ≤85% SMI | 85% SMI–400% FPL |
| Cost to Families | Income-based weekly parent share | Gap between scholarship and provider’s rate |
| Duration | 12 months, renewable | Through Dec 2025, renewable |
| Providers | Licensed/registered/exempt | OCFS-regulated or CCCW-approved |
| Administered By | Westchester DSS | CCCW (Child Care Council of Westchester) |
3. What Families Pay in Westchester Works
The scholarship covers part of the weekly cost of care. Families pay the difference between the award and the provider’s actual fee.
Examples:
| Provider Rate | Scholarship Covers | Family Pays |
|---|---|---|
| $280/week | $250 | $30 |
| $325/week | $250 | $75 |
| $400/week | $300 | $100 |
Duration
- Scholarships run through December 31, 2025.
- Families must recertify annually.
How to Apply
Applications are handled by the Child Care Council of Westchester (CCCW).
- Phone: (914) 761-3456 x140
- Email: childcareassistance@cccwny.org
- Website: CCCW – Paying for Child Care
Useful Links
- Apply for CCAP Online
- Check CCAP Eligibility Questionnaire
- Westchester DSS Child Care Assistance Office
- Child Care Council of Westchester – Scholarships & Provider Database
Part 3: Exploration of both programs:
Costs: What Families Pay
1. For Families in CCAP
Families pay a weekly “parent share” (co-pay).
Formula:
- Gross household income – 100% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for family size
- Multiply result × 0.01 (1%)
- Divide by 52 = weekly parent share
Examples:
| Family Size | Gross Income | 100% FPL | Calculation | Weekly Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | $35,000 | $20,440 | ($35,000 – $20,440) × 0.01 ÷ 52 | $2.80/week |
| 3 | $60,000 | $25,820 | ($60,000 – $25,820) × 0.01 ÷ 52 | $6.56/week |
| 4 | $100,000 | $31,200 | ($100,000 – $31,200) × 0.01 ÷ 52 | $13.23/week |
⚠️ Families must pay this directly to their provider. Failure to pay can end care even if the county is subsidizing.
2. For Families in Westchester Works
- Families pay the gap between the scholarship award and provider’s full rate.
- Example: If the scholarship covers $250/week and the provider charges $300/week, the family pays $50/week.
Examples:
| Provider Rate | Scholarship Covers | Family Pays |
|---|---|---|
| $280 | $250 | $30/week |
| $325 | $250 | $75/week |
| $400 | $300 | $100/week |
3. Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | CCAP (State Program) | Westchester Works (County Program) |
|---|---|---|
| Funding | Federal + State + County | County only |
| Eligibility | ≤85% SMI | 85% SMI–400% FPL |
| Cost to Families | Income-based weekly parent share | Gap between scholarship and provider’s rate |
| Duration | 12 months, renewable | Through Dec 2025, renewable |
| Providers | Licensed/registered/exempt | OCFS-regulated or CCCW-approved |
| Administered By | Westchester DSS | CCCW (Child Care Council of Westchester) |
Quick Reference Table
| Feature | NY CCAP (Statewide) | Westchester Works Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Families earning ≤85% of State Median Income (SMI); parents must be working, in school/training, or in a qualifying situation | Families in Westchester with incomes >85% SMI but ≤400% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL); must be working ≥10 hours/week |
| Cost | Weekly parent share based on income (as low as $2–$15/week for many families) | Family pays the difference between the scholarship award and provider’s fee |
| Duration | 12 months, renewable annually | Through Dec 2025; annual recertification |
| Providers | Licensed centers, family daycares, or DSS-approved legally exempt caregivers | OCFS-regulated or CCCW-approved providers located in Westchester |
| Application | Apply via CCAA Portal | Apply via CCCW |
| Support Contact | Westchester DSS: (914) 995-6521 | CCCW: (914) 761-3456 ext. 140 / childcareassistance@cccwny.org |
4. CCAP vs Westchester Works
- CCAP: Income-based parent share (lowest for lowest earners).
- Westchester Works: Gap coverage for moderate-income families.
- Both programs keep families from shouldering the full cost alone.
5. How Long Does Support Last?
- CCAP: 12 months; renewable annually.
- Westchester Works: Through December 2025, with annual recertification.
6. How to Apply For CCAP
Online: Apply via CCAA Portal
- Eligibility Check: CCAP Questionnaire
- By Mail/Fax/Phone: Child Care Assistance Office, 10 County Center Road, 2nd Floor, White Plains, NY 10607
- Phone: (914) 995-6521 / (914) 995-6522
- Fax: (914) 813-4309
- In Person: Request packets at any DSS District Office
For Westchester Works Scholarship
- Through CCCW:
- Phone: (914) 761-3456 x140
- Email: childcareassistance@cccwny.org
- Website: CCCW – Paying for Child Care
7. Finding a Provider
The Child Care Council of Westchester offers:
- A searchable online provider database
- Evaluations of legally exempt providers for safety
- Free referrals by phone (914-761-3456, Mon–Fri, 9–5)
- https://childcarewestchester.org/child-care-search/
Child Care provide search database: Link below
8. For Child Care Providers
According to Westchester DSS & OCFS:
- Market Rate Cap: Payments capped at state rates
- Paid Absences: Up to 80 per child/year reimbursed
- Paid Closures: Up to 20 per year reimbursed (holidays, training, emergencies)
- Direct Deposit: Available for providers
Forms:
- Form 536 – Provider Schedule
- Form 2165 – Daily Attendance Record
Provider support:
- Phone: (914) 995-6521
- Fax: (914) 813-4309
- Mail: Child Day Care Assistance Program, 10 County Center Road, 2nd Floor, White Plains, NY 10607
Final Word
Child care is one of the biggest barriers for working families. New York’s CCAP and Westchester’s local scholarship program make it possible for families to work, study, and thrive without being crushed by child care costs.
By applying early, checking eligibility, and using DSS and CCCW resources, families can secure safe, affordable care and give their children a strong start.
Video Resources:
English:
Spanish:
🔗 Links Page
- Apply for CCAP – NY State Portal
- Check CCAP Eligibility – Questionnaire
- Westchester DSS Child Care Assistance Office – (914) 995-6521
- Child Care Council of Westchester – CCAP & Scholarships
- OCFS Market Rate Info for Providers
📑 Relevant Documents
- OCFS CCAP Application Form (OCFS-6025) – Available through DSS or OCFS site
- Westchester Works Scholarship Application (English & Spanish) – CCCW website
- Provider Forms (Form 536 & 2165) – Available from Westchester DSS
