New York state Gov. Kathy Hochul has allocated $1.5 million in funding for the Rye YMCA as part of a larger initiative to expand childcare access across the state.
The financial package, part of the Childcare Capital Construction Funding Program, aims to support “shovel-ready” capital projects to increase licensed childcare availability and spaces across New York, according to the governor’s office.
“Access to affordable, high-quality childcare is essential for children, families and New York’s economy,” Hochul said Tuesday. “These investments will help communities across the state create and improve childcare facilities, giving more families access to the care they need while supporting working parents and strengthening local economies.”
The Rye YMCA offers a variety of childcare options, from full-day care and after-school programming to drop-in babysitting and vacation day clubs. The local nonprofit provides financial assistance to families in need in Rye and surrounding communities, including Mamaroneck, Port Chester, Harrison, and others.
Expanding access to private childcare is particularly important in Rye, since the Rye City School District is among only 48 out of 673 eligible districts in New York to opt out of the state’s universal pre-K program.
District administrators have said the state’s program isn’t feasible for Rye City Schools, primarily due to physical space constraints in district buildings and the additional funding the district would need to subsidize the program. The Rye Neck Union Free School District has also opted out of universal pre-K, citing similar concerns.
“The level of state funding provided for UPK does not fully cover the cost of educating pre-kindergarten students,” Rye City Schools Superintendent Tricia Murray told The Record earlier this spring. “Implementing the program under the current funding structure would therefore require the district to subsidize the difference, which is not feasible within our current budget.”
Hochul’s office said the Childcare Capital Construction Funding Program is the governor’s attempt to put the entire state on a path to universal childcare. She has said her goal is for every public district in the state to offer free, full-day pre-K by 2028.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins thanked Hochul for the investment this week, noting the funding will go toward not only increasing childcare capacity countywide, but also modernizing current facilities and creating additional programming.
“Access to reliable childcare is essential to a strong economy and strong communities,” Jenkins said. “These investments will provide meaningful support to Westchester families by helping parents remain in the workforce while ensuring their children have access to quality early learning opportunities.”
The Rye YMCA is one of seven Mid-Hudson entities the governor has tapped for additional funding. The others include:
- Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Northern Westchester, receiving $5 million;
- New Square Community Improvement Council, Inc., receiving $5 million;
- Keren Yad Veizer d/b/a Spring Valley Early Childhood Center, receiving $4,999,202;
- Early Roots Day Care Center, Inc., receiving $3,713,896;
- Rising Child Center, Inc., receiving $3,338,760;
- Mt Tremper Outdoor Ministries, Inc., receiving $1,433,000.
