NY A10494

Renames New York's "Block Grant for Child Care" to the "Early Childhood Fund" and transfers administration from the Department of Social Services to the Office of Children and Family Services

Changes child care assistance from discretionary ("may") to mandatory ("shall") for families receiving public assistance when needed for work, education, or other qualifying activities

Guarantees continued child care assistance for 12-24 months after a family's public assistance ends due to increased employment income, child support payments, or voluntary exit, provided income remains below 85% of state median income

Requires the Office of Children and Family Services to maintain a statewide waiting list and publish annual reports detailing wait times, family demographics, and available child care slots by age category beginning October 2027

Caps family contributions for child care at no more than 1% of income exceeding the federal poverty level and establishes differential payment rates (10-15% higher) for providers serving homeless children or offering non-traditional hours