Niagara Countys
Child Care Referral Specialist
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Who we are:
The Niagara County Child Care Resource & Referral Program is dedicated to helping families find safe, high-quality child care that meets their unique needs. Funded through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, our Child Care Referral Specialist provides personalised support to families seeking licensed and registered child care programs throughout Niagara County. Whether you are searching for infant, toddler, preschool, or school-age care, our specialists can help connect you with programs that match your family’s schedule, location, and specific needs. Referral services are free and designed to help families make informed decisions when choosing the best care for their children.
Get in Touch:
Call Us
Email Us
The Referral Process:
Intake & Needs Assessment
A family connects with us by phone, email, or an online form, and we gather important details, such as the child’s age, scheduling needs, location, budget, and any specific preferences.
Customized Referral List
Based on the information provided, we generate a tailored list of regulated child care providers that match the family’s needs.
Family Reaches Out to Providers
Families contact providers directly to ask questions, schedule visits, confirm availability, and determine the best fit.
Follow-Up & Additional Support
We follow up to offer continued guidance, provide additional referrals if needed, and connect families to financial assistance or other community resources.
Choosing Quality Child Care: What to Look For
Selecting child care is an important decision. Beyond availability and cost, families should look for environments that are safe, nurturing, and supportive of their child’s development. Here are key things to consider:
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Health & Safety Practices
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Qualified & Trained Staff
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Licensing & Regulation Compliance
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Positive Guidance & Discipline Policies
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Medication Administration Policies
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Positive Guidance & Discipline Policies
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I get help paying for child care?
If you need assistance paying for child care, you may be eligible for non-public assistance child care subsidy. The income standards are based on family size and annual income. The income guidelines changed on June 1, 2024, so please check below to see if you may be eligible for assistance. (Match your family size to the annual income column.) If your family unit falls within those guidelines, please call the Niagara County Department of Social Services Subsidy Unit at 716-439-7656 to request an application.
What are the common rates of child care costs in Niagara County?
Child care costs in Niagara County vary based on the child’s age, the type of care, and the provider. In general, infant care is the most expensive, while rates decrease as children get older. Families can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars per week for family child care homes to higher rates for centre-based care, with costs often exceeding $1,000 per month in New York State for full-time care.
The data below provides a snapshot of common child care rates in Niagara County to help families compare options and better understand the typical cost of care in the area.
Are there tax credits available for child care?
Yes. Families may be eligible for federal and state tax credits that can help offset the cost of child care expenses. In New York, eligible families can claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit, which may provide significant tax savings based on income, child care expenses, and family size. For more information about available child care-related tax credits and eligibility requirements, view the resource linked below.
Are there discounts for military and emergency service workers?
On September 25, 2023, New York State was selected as the first state approved to qualify licensed, regulated community child care providers for participation in the military fee assistance program. The military fee assistance will offset the cost of child care not covered by the parent fee, as calculated by their total family income up to a maximum child care rate of $1,800 per month per child.
Unlike military families, who may qualify for child care fee assistance through approved programs, there is currently no statewide child care fee assistance program available specifically for emergency service workers in New York State. Families employed in emergency services may still be eligible for other child care assistance programs based on income and household circumstances.
What are the different types of child care?
In New York State, the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) recognises several types of child care, including day care centres (DCCs), family day care homes (FDC), group family day care homes (GFDC), and school-age child care programs (SACC). These programs are licensed or regulated to help make sure children are safe and well cared for. Families can choose the type of care that best fits their child’s age, schedule, and needs.
How can I become a provider?
To become a child care provider in New York State, you must apply through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and complete the required licensing or registration process. This includes meeting health and safety standards, completing background checks, and finishing required training such as child abuse prevention and CPR/first aid. Once approved, you can operate as a regulated child care provider and begin caring for children in your home or facility.
