State Holding Hearings on Federal Child Care Funds

Planned for Rensselaer, Rochester and New York City

RENSSELAER, NY (05/01/2007)(readMedia)-- The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) will hold three public hearings in May on the state's proposed multi-year plan for federal Child Care and Development Block Grant funds.

The state's proposed plan covers the period of Oct. 1, 2007, through Sept. 30, 2009. The purpose of the federal block grant program is to increase the availability, affordability, and quality of child care services. In the current federal fiscal year, OCFS is receiving approximately $314 million for child care under the federal block grant.

The plan describes how New York State will use the federal funds provided to improve the availability and quality of child care, including before- and after-school services, and to subsidize low-income families so they may obtain affordable, quality child care. The state is required to update the plan every two years.

The draft New York State plan for the Child Care and Development Block Grant funds is on the OCFS website: www.ocfs.state.ny.us , under "News & Events," and also under "Child Day Care."

Individuals can comment on the draft plan in person at the public hearings, by e-mail using the link on the OCFS website, or by regular mail (to Suzanne Zafonte Sennett, OCFS, 52 Washington St., Room 338 North, Rensselaer, NY 12144). OCFS is seeking public comments as part of the development process.

The first hearing will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, May 14, at OCFS offices, Room 144, North Building, at 52 Washington St. in Rensselaer, 12144.

The second hearing will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 22, at the Child Care Council, Suite 120, at 595 Blossom Road, Rochester, 14620.

The third and final hearing will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, May 24, at the New York State Department of Public Service, 90 Church St., 4th floor, Hearing Room A, in Manhattan, 10007.

Oral testimony will be limited to 10 minutes. Individuals interested in testifying must register their intent five days prior to the hearing, either by submitting the registration form posted on the OCFS website, by calling 518-408-0766, or by writing Suzanne Sennett at the address above.