Tompkins County Community Child Care Supply Growth Initiative
Expanding Access to High-Quality Child Care in Tompkins County
The Tompkins County Community Child Care Supply Growth Initiative is a major investment aimed at increasing the availability of child care across Tompkins County, particularly for infants and young children. The initiative provides critical funding and long-term support to help new and existing child care providers launch, expand, and sustain high-quality programs in the community.
About the Initiative
The Community Child Care Growth Initiative is made possible through a historic $1.86 million investment from Cornell University, dedicated to increasing child care supply in Tompkins County. Through this initiative, $300,000 is allocated annually for up to five years to support child care program start-up and expansion costs.
The initiative is administered by the Child Development Council of Central New York, Inc., the leading advocate for families and child care providers in Tompkins County since 1967.
Why This Initiative Matters
Tompkins County is considered a child care desert, with licensed child care capacity meeting the needs of only about one-third of children age five and under. The shortage of available child care affects families, employers, and the broader local economy.
Expanding access to child care is both an economic and community priority. As Cornell University has noted, a strong and accessible child care system is essential to workforce stability and long-term regional success.
Who the Initiative Supports
The Community Child Care Growth Initiative supports:
- Individuals seeking guidance, resources, and financial support with opening a full-time Family, Group Family, or Center-based child care program.
- Existing Family, Group Family, and Center-based full-time child care programs seeking financial support for expansion.
Both new and expanding providers must apply and meet program criteria designed to promote high-quality care and long-term sustainability.
What Funding Can Support
Grant funding may be used to help overcome common barriers to starting or growing a child care program, including:
- Costs associated with becoming licensed or registered
- Educational materials and learning supplies
- Child-sized furniture and equipment
- Construction or renovation costs to make spaces suitable for child care
- Other start-up or expansion expenses that have historically prevented providers from entering or growing in the field
Comprehensive Support for Providers
In addition to funding, the initiative emphasizes long-term provider success through:
- Individualized business coaching
- Milestones and criteria focused on high-quality programming
- Ongoing guidance tailored to each provider’s goals and circumstances
This combination of financial support and hands-on technical assistance is designed to help providers build sustainable programs that meet community needs over time.
Learn More & Apply
Providers interested in starting or expanding a child care program are encouraged to learn more about eligibility and application requirements by reviewing the Frequently Asked Questions and contacting:
Barb Mechalke, Child Care Development Director
barb@childdevelopmentcouncil.org
Phone: (607) 273-0259
Click for Proposal Guidance Sheet
Supply Growth Acknowledgement of Requirements
Original Community Child Care Supply Growth Initiative Press Release
The Community Child Care Supply Growth Initiative, funded by Cornell University, will dedicate $300,000 annually for up to five years to fund start-up and expansion costs for new and existing Family and Group Family Child Care programs and Child Care Centers.