Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tompkins County Community Child Care Growth Initiative?
The Tompkins County Community Child Care Growth Initiative is a multi-year investment designed to increase the supply of child care in Tompkins County by supporting the start-up and expansion of child care programs. The initiative provides funding and individualized support to help providers overcome financial and operational barriers and build sustainable, high-quality child care programs.
Who funds this initiative?
The initiative is funded through a historic $1.86 million investment from Cornell University, which allocates $300,000 per year for up to five years specifically for child care start-up and expansion grants. Cornell also provides additional annual funding to support staffing focused on child care supply growth.
Who administers the program?
The program is administered by the Child Development Council of Central New York, Inc., which has served as the leading advocate for child care providers and families in Tompkins County since 1967.
Why is this initiative needed in Tompkins County?
Tompkins County is considered a child care desert, with licensed child care capacity sufficient for only about one-third of children under age five. This shortage impacts families, employers, and the local economy, making increased child care supply a critical community priority.
Who is eligible to apply?
The initiative is intended to support:
- New 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.
All applicants must apply and meet program criteria and milestones designed to support long-term success and high-quality care.
What types of expenses can grant funds be used for?
Grant funds may be used to help cover costs that have historically prevented providers from starting or expanding child care programs, including:
- Licensing or registration expenses
- Educational materials and high-quality learning resources
- Child-sized furniture and equipment
- Construction or renovation costs to make spaces suitable for child care
- Other eligible start-up or expansion expenses
These costs can range from a few thousand dollars for family child care programs to hundreds of thousands of dollars for child care centers.
What additional support is provided beyond funding?
In addition to financial support, participants receive:
- Individualized business coaching
- Guidance tailored to each provider’s goals and circumstances
- Support designed to help providers operate successful, high-quality programs long-term
The combination of funding and ongoing technical assistance is intended to set providers up for lasting success.
How much funding can an individual provider receive?
Child care centers are eligible for up to $1,000 per newly created full-time infant, toddler, or preschool space. Family and group family child care providers receive an average award of $10,000- $12,000, with the possibility of receiving additional funds for construction costs.
How often will applications be accepted?
Applications are accepted throughout the year – there is no deadline.
How can I obtain an application and/or learn more?
Contact: Barb Mechalke, Child Care Development Director
barb@childdevelopmentcouncil.org
Phone: (607) 273-0259