Paying for child care

Child Care Resource Network understands working families of Erie County and WNY need high-quality, affordable, accessible care and learning for their children. With rising child care costs, this can be a challenge. We’re here to help you navigate your way through learning how to pay for child care.

How much does child care cost?

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Each year, Erie County releases average market rates. They are a guideline of the cost of child care from New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). The market rate is based on the county where the child care is provided, the type of setting, and the age of the child (the younger the child the higher the rate). The following are effective June 1, 2024:

Day Care Center	$265-$340
School-Age Child Care	$265-$300
Family Day Care & Group Family Day Care Home	$240-$300
Legally Exempt (Group Child Care)	$215-$265
Legally Exempt (In-Home Standard)	$176-$205
Legally Exempt (In-Home Enhanced)	$189-$201

Child Care Assistance Program

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NY.gov

General Child Care Assistance Programs (CCAP)

Child Care Assistance Application (CCAA)

Workforce Development Institute (WDI) Child Care Subsidy Program

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The WDI Child Care Subsidy Program was created through an initiative of organized labor and community partners to help working families offset the high cost of child care.

Click here for WDI Information

Tax credits for families & employers

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Click here for Federal & State Tax Incentives for Employers

Click here for Federal & State Tax Incentives for Families

Employer support

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Your employer may provide discounts or have agreements with programs for reduced rates. Many employers offer Dependent Care Assistance Programs, which will allow you to deduct up to $5,000 a year from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis, for the purpose of paying for child care.

Other Child Care payment help

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Scholarships: Check with your provider to see if they offer or accept various scholarship funds.

Sliding Scale Fee: The cost of the program is based on income standards of the parent, set by the program.

Multi-Child Discounts: Ask the program if they offer discounts for bringing enrolling more than one child.

Head Start/Early Head Start/Universal Pre-K (UPK): These federally-funded full or part day programs provide free education and other services to help get children ready for school. Eligibility is based on income.

UPK: Contact your local school district for more information.

Local Head Start/Early Head Start programs:

- Community Action Organization of Erie County, Inc. (CAO Head Start): 716-533-8975
- Holy Cross Head Start: 716-852-8373

College Students: Some colleges have their own child care center, and may offer a discount to their students. Local college and universities with child care centers in Erie County that offer discounts for their students include Buffalo State College and University at Buffalo.