What is a child care voucher?
The HRA voucher is a subsidy granted by the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) to help cover childcare services outside of regular school hours. It’s intended to support children ages 6 weeks to 13 years old and up to age 19 for children with disabilities. These vouchers can be used for various services by the amount defined by income and family size.
After assessing their financial eligibility, families apply for a voucher via the official website, and the selected childcare provider receives the voucher payment directly. The full-time care may be covered by the voucher. It also covers part-time care (e.g., after-school care).
Using your HRA voucher at Little Scholars NYC
After successful verification, families can continue the enrollment in our programs across Little Scholars centers with their ACS/HRA voucher. We proudly accept vouchers for:
Our HRA daycare services are offered at multiple locations throughout New York City. Explore our centers to find the one most convenient for your family. How to enroll:
- Receive confirmation of your child care HRA voucher.
- Decide on your preferred Little Scholars NYC location.
- Finalize the schedule, start date, and pick-up arrangements.
Little Scholars is a new generation daycare that helps families overcome financial barriers by giving them access to high-quality childcare programs. HRA daycare allows them to give their kids a loving care daycare center where they can learn in a safe environment.
Eligibility
You may be eligible for free or low cost child care based on your family’s income and reason for requiring child care.
Social Guidelines:
You are enrolled in an approved training or educational program, or looking for work
You are ill or incapacitated
Your child or family is receiving services from either ACS or Human Resources Administration (HRA)
You must be absent from your home, leaving your child(ren) without supervision
Costs & schedules
ACS/HRA determines the number of child care hours and the co-pay amount directly based on each family’s eligibility. Families are expected to adhere to the attendance policies established by ACS/HRA after they have been enrolled with their voucher.
What Are ACS-Funded Child Care Programs?
ACS-Funded Child Care Programs are services provided by the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) to eligible families who require childcare services. ACS provides funding for 300 of childcare centers, family childcare networks, and more than 250 Head Start programs. These programs are available to families who meet specific eligibility criteria, such as income level, employment status, and other factors that impact their ability to access child care.
The child care centers and family child care networks funded by ACS are required to meet the standards set by the New York State (NYS) and New York City (NYC) Departments of Health and Mental Hygiene. These standards ensure that childcare programs are safe and provide a high-quality learning environment for children. The standards cover areas such as health and safety, staff qualifications, and the curriculum used by the childcare programs.
ACS-Funded Child Care Programs provide families with access to affordable childcare services, which can help parents or guardians remain employed or pursue educational opportunities. By offering these services, ACS aims to support families in providing a stable and nurturing environment for their children.
Little Scholars is among the best daycares in Brooklyn that meet the standards set by the New York State (NYS) and New York City (NYC) Departments of Health and Mental Hygiene. By providing access to high-quality childcare programs, Little Scholars, the new generation daycare and learning center, together with ACS help families overcome financial obstacles and provide children with a safe and supportive learning environment in a loving care daycare center.
What Is A ‘Voucher’?
A childcare voucher is a type of financial assistance that allows eligible families to access childcare services outside of government-funded programs. Specifically, a childcare voucher is designed to help low-income families afford quality childcare services for their children.
In order to be eligible for a child care voucher, families must have a certain income and meet other eligibility criteria. Families may have to wait a very long time to acquire these vouchers since there is a severe lack of funding for them. Child care vouchers can be a lifeline for families that need assistance paying for child care despite the difficulties. They give people access to a variety of childcare options and offer a chance for kids to get good care while their parents are at work or school.
Little Scholars learning center is a licensed childcare provider that offers high-quality educational programs for children and accepts vouchers as a form of payment. We understand the challenges that families face when it comes to affording child care, which is why we are committed to helping families access the services they need. If you are eligible for a child care voucher, you may be able to use it to pay for child care services at Little Scholars, your trusted “daycare near me”. This can help you afford quality child care for your children while also providing them with the educational and developmental benefits of attending a reputable childcare program.
Who qualifies
Based on their income and size, the majority of families have to contribute a nominal fee termed as a “family share.” All of your childcare might be covered by your voucher if you are:
- A family that has been given financial support
- An impoverished family
- An adoptive parent in foster care
Generally speaking, families may be eligible if they are:
- Employed, seeking employment, or enrolled in training or education
- Having circumstances (e.g., foster care, homelessness, or other hardships)
- Low-income families who meet the program’s eligibility requirements
Only the official ACS/HRA instructions contain the precise eligibility requirements and necessary paperwork.
HRA child care application: How To Apply
To use our services under the ACS/HRA subsidy program, access the voucher via the MyCity app. Here is a step-by-step guide to follow:
- Create an ACCESS HRA account. Register or sign in to your account to start the application process.
- Go through the HRA application. You can submit your application online through ACCESS HRA or use a physical format.
- Upload supporting documents. Prepare and upload all the necessary documents (ID or passport, proof of address, employment, or education, birth certificate, etc.)
- Wait for verification. HRA will review your application. Respond promptly to any requests for additional documents or clarification.
You can apply for an ACS child care voucher, but please be advised that your child or children will be added to a voucher queue if you have enough money and fulfill the eligibility requirements.
Where to check status
You can check the ACS child care voucher application status in two ways:
- Log in to your ACCESS HRA account. Your application status and any updates or document requests will be visible there.
- Contact the center. You can also reach out to the HRA contact center for information about your application status.
Note: Application processing times, requirements, and conditions may change. Always refer to official sources for the most current information.
By the deadline specified in your yearly recertification packet, please turn in all of your recertification materials when it’s time to recertify. Your child care assistance benefits will be terminated if you are unable to successfully recertify by the end of your eligible period.
After approval
See if the program’s license has been suspended or revoked. Look at inspection reports to see if the program has violated any safety requirements and if and how they fixed those violations. You can see if there was a child care complaint filed against the program that was found to be valid.
Make a reservation for your child at one of the Little Scholar NYC sites, deciding on the start date, hours, and who is permitted to pick them up. Any new environment you introduce to your child may require some time for them to get used to. Give them time to make a habit.
Depending on your ACCESS HRA subsidy eligibility, your co-pay can be applicable if your family utilizes an HRA child care voucher. The precise amount is determined independently.
Documents checklist
After reviewing the HRA child care application, ACS will decide who is eligible for subsidized child care. A number of criteria determine eligibility, such as the child’s age and care requirements, as well as the family’s income. The family will get a subsidy to help with the cost of childcare services if they are qualified. Here are what you’ll be asked for:
Identity & child’s age
To prove their identity, parents or guardians must present a legitimate government-issued photo ID. In order to confirm age and relationship, a child’s birth certificate is necessary.
Address & household
Proof of current residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement, is required of applicants. To verify the makeup of the family, household information might also be needed.
Work/education proof
Employment or enrollment in a course of study must be documented. Recent pay stubs, employer letters, or evidence of school registration are all acceptable examples.
Special circumstances
Depending on their circumstances, some families might have to provide extra paperwork. Foster care placement documents, disability verification, and medical records are a few examples.
Our state-of-the-art facilities are designed to foster children’s talent and provide them with a nurturing and stimulating environment. Little Scholars Daycare Center goes beyond being just a place for your child to stay during the day – it’s a place to learn, grow, and explore children’s talent. Therefore, our committment is to deliver the highest quality of care for your child. If you’re wondering how much does daycare cost in Brooklyn, we offer competitive rates that won’t break the bank. We accept ACS / HRA child care vouchers in NYC and provide reasonable prices for families in Bensonhurst, Coney Island, Sheepshead Bay and Flatbush areas.
FAQ
What is a child care voucher?
One type of financial aid that helps families pay for early childhood education is a child care voucher. It enables parents to sign up their kids for authorized daycare centers without having to cover the entire amount out of pocket.
What is a child care voucher and who provides it in NYC?
Child care vouchers are offered by HRA and ACS in NYC. These organizations assess eligibility and provide eligible families with vouchers.
How do I submit an HRA child care application online?
Creating or logging into your ACCESS HRA account will allow you to apply online. Using the platform, you may electronically fill out the application and attach the necessary files.
How can I check my ACS child care voucher application status?
Your ACCESS HRA account allows you to monitor the status of your application. You can get in touch with the HRA assistance center or see updates and requests for more documentation there.
Do Little Scholars centers accept HRA childcare vouchers?
In fact, all qualified sites of Little Scholars NYC accept HRA childcare coupons. Families can sign up for a variety of age-based programs using vouchers.
Which programs can I use the voucher for?
When available, vouchers can be used for 3-K and Pre-K as well as nursery, toddler, and preschool programs. Families can choose the program based on the needs and age of their child.
Will I have a co-pay and how is the amount decided?
Depending on their eligibility and income, some families can be required to pay a co-pay. ACS/HRA, not the child care provider, decides the precise amount.
Can I change the provider or location after approval?
Switching sites or providers is feasible, but the procedure needs to be coordinated with ACS/HRA. Before making the switch, families should let the new provider and their caseworker know.
What documents are typically required?
Documents such as identification proof, a child’s birth certificate, proof of employment or education, and residence verification are frequently needed. Special conditions may require additional papers.
