In this episode, I’m laying it all out: the frustrations, the reality, and the questions that need answering about subsidized child care. As a multi-site child care provider in New York, over 70% of our enrollment relies on the state’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), commonly known as ACS in NYC or DSS in the rest of the state. While subsidies have been a crucial part of supporting families, the issues with payment delays, processing holdups, and slow enrollment in the system have reached a breaking point.
I’m breaking down what subsidized child care is, the variations across states, and why consistent payment issues are a massive barrier for providers like me and others in my network. These delays don’t just impact payroll and bills; they threaten our ability to provide quality care and even meet basic operational standards. I’ll share my personal experience, highlight the importance of emergency plans (and why relying on them isn’t enough), and call for solutions that prevent providers from shouldering the burden of a broken system.
Let’s be real: child care deserts exist for a reason, and it’s time to face it. I’m inviting you to listen, share your experiences, and join me in advocating for a system that truly supports the providers it relies on. By the time you hear this, I’m hopeful there’s improvement—but if not, it’s time to demand change.
Book a consultation on childcaresites.com
Follow Dani Christine on Instagram @danichristineconsulting
