Blog

By Corinne A. Williams, JD, ParentChild+ Government Affairs Manager

Governor Kathy Hochul’s historic proposal to invest in affordable, universal child care represents more than a budgetary commitment. Governor Hochul is signaling a deep understanding of what families need to thrive and what it truly takes to build a strong, equitable economy. At ParentChild+, we are energized by this moment and proud to support a family- and community-first vision for child care in New York State. For far too long, the cost and availability of child care have placed impossible burdens on families. Across New York, child care costs often fall between $14,000- $20,000 per year. This expense pushes quality care out of reach for most working families and forces painful trade-offs between necessities and stable care for young children. These challenges are not abstract. They show up in homes and communities every day, shaping whether parents can work, whether providers can stay open, and whether children have the consistent, nurturing environments they need in their earliest years.

Why This Moment Matters

ParentChild+’s home visitors have spent decades working alongside families who see the child care crisis up close. This crisis was the catalyst for the creation of the Home-Based Child Care model in 2012. Access to affordable, high-quality child care is foundational not only for children’s learning and development, but for family stability, workforce participation, and community well-being.  This comprehensive plan builds on years of progress, including: ensuring statewide universal 4K access, launching the country’s first 2-Care program in New York City, and expanding eligibility for subsidies so that thousands of families can afford care. Now, New York is taking the next step: putting the state on a clear pathway toward universal child care, beginning with investments that will reach nearly 100,000 additional children in 2026.

Respecting Families + Providers

What excites us most about this proposal is its recognition that universal child care that works reflects family choice and community realities. Families rely on a wide ecosystem of care types. From center-based programs to smaller, home-based child care (HBCC) providers that offer flexibility, cultural continuity, and trusted relationships. By supporting this full range of providers, New York honors the truly diverse needs of families and the professionalism of all care providers.

At ParentChild+, we have long partnered with home-based child care providers and community-based organizations who are deeply embedded in their communities and uniquely positioned to meet families where they are. Governor Hochul’s plan to increase CCAP eligibility and piloting new community care models creates opportunities for HBCC providers and the children in their care to thrive, not just survive.

Looking Ahead Together

Governor Hochul’s proposal marks a historic step forward for New York and offers a powerful model for what early childhood public policy can look like when families and communities are placed at the center. At ParentChild+, we are excited about what this moment means for New York families today, and about what it signals for the future of child care policy across the country.

As these investments move from proposal to practice, ParentChild+ looks forward to partnering with policymakers, local governments, and home-based child care providers to ensure that families experience real, meaningful change. Community-based organizations like ours play a vital role in translating policy into impact, elevating family voices, and supporting providers on the ground.

To keep up with other news in the field, sign up here.