Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. has announced a new grant program to support the creation and expansion of home daycare businesses in the county.
The Family Daycare Startup Grant Program will provide $250,000 to help cover the initial costs associated with starting or growing a home daycare. The initiative comes in response to recommendations made by the Oneida County Childcare Taskforce, which identified high startup expenses as a major obstacle for many potential daycare providers, especially those from lower-income families. These costs can include essential items such as diapers, playpens, educational materials, and toys.
“The inadequate supply of childcare is a major hurdle faced by families and employers across Oneida County,” Picente said. “The startup costs associated with creating a family daycare are a barrier that many cannot overcome. This grant program will alleviate that burden, expanding childcare capacity, strengthening the workforce pipeline, generating jobs, and providing more options for families seeking affordable daycare.”
According to the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Oneida County currently has 67 licensed family daycare homes, 51 licensed group family daycare homes, and 34 licensed daycare centers.
New family daycare grant program
The grant program will be administered by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County (CCE), which will also provide technical support to individuals interested in starting a home daycare. This support includes access to state-required training, assistance with the application process, and help with maintaining regulatory compliance.
Grants will be awarded up to $2,500 per individual daycare, with the goal of creating up to 100 new daycares and slots for up to 1,000 children. CCE will set benchmarks for recipients and provide quarterly reports on the program’s results to the county. In addition to the grant program, Oneida County has allocated $42,500 to fund a Childcare Navigator position within CCE.
This role will help connect families with childcare providers and assist those looking to start their own daycare business. “Adequate quality childcare is an integral part of a thriving economy. Investing in quality childcare also invests in the future of children, building the foundation they need to succeed in school and throughout their lives,” said CCE Executive Director Mary Beth McEwen.
Those interested in applying for a grant can contact CCE by email at earlycareandlearning@cornell.edu or by phone at (315) 736-3394, extension 243.
