ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – Some people seeking childcare assistance in Tompkins County will have to wait.

On October 28, the county announced that, due to limited funding, new applications and recertifications for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) will be put on a waitlist, beginning this Friday, November 1.

DSS will continue to accept new applications and, once funding is restored, process cases in accordance with federal and state priority guidelines. Temporary assistance, foster, and protective childcare cases will continue without interruption.

Recertification Exceptions

  • families experiencing homelessness
  • families with incomes below 300% of the State Income Standard (SIS)
  • families with children who have special needs

Once an application is finished and eligibility is confirmed, the family will be placed on the waitlist and notified when additional support becomes available. Applications older than 30 days must be resubmitted with updated documentation. A member of CCAP will contact applicants when it is time to reapply.

Questions? Contact the Tompkins County Department of Social Services Child Care Unit by email at dfa3a50.dl.childcare@dfa.state.ny.us or visit the website.