Paying for Child Care

Child care in Westchester is expensive, and we know that many families have trouble making ends meet. Fortunately, there are resources available to help you pay for child care.

Recognizing that the cost of child care is a burden for so many Westchester families and often a barrier to employment, the County raised income eligibility for its Child Care Assistance Program in 2022, and worked with us at the Child Care Council to create the Westchester Works Program to help working parents at even higher incomes. Read more to find out how these programs can help make child care more affordable for your family. For more information click herepdf

Public Child Care Assistance – Now with higher income eligibility!

Review the charts below to see if you meet the income requirements for Child Care Assistance.

  • Working parents
  • Parents attending school
  • Parents seeking work and more

To see if you are eligible or apply for the Child Care Assistance, please contact the Council at 914-761-3456 x 140 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to make an appointment.

Family SizeLow Income Subsidy
2 <$67,490
3 <$83,370
4 <$99,250
5 <$115,130

Westchester Works Child Care Scholarship Program

This new scholarship has much higher income eligibility levels, and may be available to your family even if you’ve never been included before. For example, a family of two: once “over-income” for child care financial assistance at $90,000, you can now have a gross income of up to $98,600 and be eligible for the Westchester Works Child Care Scholarship Program.

Eligible Families:

  • All parents in household must live in Westchester County, be employed at least 10 hours per week, and making at least minimum wage.
  • Child care must be located in Westchester County; in an OCFS regulated program, Dept. of Health Camp with valid permit, or a scholarship-approved exempt/informal provider (see Information Sheet for details).
  • Your total gross household annual income must be within the income eligible guidelines listed below. Your household income includes all income, such as wages/salary, child support, SSI, etc.
Family SizeIncome Range
2 $67,491 to $98,600
3 $83,371 to $124,300
4 $99,251 to $150,000
5 $115,131 to $175,700

 

 Additional Child Care Scholarships – Limited
The Child Care Council of Westchester typically offers a limited number of scholarships, including the Key to the Future Fund. If you would like to be called or placed on a mailing list for other scholarships, please click here to submit a request. 

pdfPaying For Care Tax Facts Tax Benefits: There are several tax benefits and programs that can put more money in your hands to pay for child care.

Dependent Care Assistance Program: DCAP is a flexible spending account that your employer may offer to help you pay for your child or dependent care expenses. You can set aside up to $5,000 of your annual income to help cover the cost of child care, elder care, or care for a disabled spouse or dependent.

pdfGuide to Dependent Care Assistance Program

New York State Public Benefits: Taking advantage of public benefit programs can improve families' overall economic situation and free up resources that can be used for child care. Visit the link below and use the pre-screening tool to see what health and human services programs you may be eligible for.

external link icon The New York State myBenefits site

Before You Begin

First and foremost, we want to make sure you know what to expect, and that the child care options you're considering are priced reasonably.

Click here to download a document that outlines the cost of child care:

pdfAverage cost of child care in Westchester County


pdfCost of child care in Westchester's largest towns and cities

Next, when it comes time to choose a child care provider, be certain you understand what the fees are, and exactly what those fees include or cover, including hours of care, snacks or meals, supplies, transportation, meals, late pickups, and field trips. Providers may impose penalties for late payments, and some charge whether or not a child is present. Ask how often fees will be raised, and by how much.

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Contact Us

Child Care Council of Westchester, Inc.

313 Central Park Avenue
Scarsdale, New York 10583

Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Child Care Specialists extended hours are available on Tuesdays until 7pm to help you make an informed decision about child care.

Phone: (914) 761-3456
Toll-Free: 1 (844) 387-7525

Fax: (914) 761-1957

Email us

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