ACS Child Care Options

Families have a choice between vouchers and contracted care.

EarlyLearn (Contracted Care)

EarlyLearn is New York City’s contracted early care and education program managed by the New York City Department of Education (DOE). The program serves children ages 0 to 4. Visit EarlyLearn NYC on the DOE website to understand your options, find a program that is right for your family, and enroll your child.

Vouchers

A voucher is a subsidized child care payment that allows a parent to choose an eligible child care provider not contracted with NYC. At this time there is a waitlist for vouchers. Families can be added to the voucher waitlist by completing the Voucher Waitlist Form. Families placed on the voucher waitlist may receive a voucher as additional funding becomes available.

The voucher waitlist call selection process is on a per child basis. Children will be called off the list in the order in which they were placed on the list from the oldest date to the most recent. When a voucher becomes available, you will be notified and asked to provide documentation to verify your child’s eligibility.

For child care services to be authorized through ACS, parents may only enroll their child(ren) in a child care program or provider that is approved by ACS.

Types of Child Care Providers Eligible for Voucher Payment

• Center-Based, Group Child Care Program permitted or registered by Department of Health and Mental Hygiene or NYS Office of Children & Family Services.
• Family or Group Family Child Care Provider licensed or registered by NYS Office of Child and Family Services
• Legally-Exempt (not licensed), School-Based Group Child Care Program including preschools, school age and summer camp programs.
• Legally-Exempt (not licensed), Informal Child Care Provider (Friend, Relative, or Neighbor)
  • If you are planning to use a legally-exempt/informal child care provider such as a friend, relative or neighbor OR a legally-exempt group program (without a license or registration), please be aware that enrollment forms must be reviewed and approved by the Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDCo), New York City’s Legally-Exempt Enrollment Agency

For Assistance Locating Child Care Programs and Providers

Contact the Child Care Resource & Referral Consortium at 1-888-469-5999

Visit DOHMH NYC Child Care Connect.