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Parents

The Jefferson-Lewis Childcare Project understands that parents face many decisions. We offer resources to assist families in our community in finding high-quality child care. Our services give parents the upper hand in making informed choices about all aspects of care for their children.

FIND CHILD CARE

The Jefferson-Lewis Childcare Project (JLCP) is a Child Care Resource and Referral Agency offering free and confidential services to parents and families seeking child care within Jefferson and Lewis Counties. For more information and assistance regarding child care referrals, please contact JLCP at 
315. 782.8475 or 1.800.287.8904.

All information that parents submit is completely confidential. The information provided on child care programs are referrals only. We do not attest to the quality of care.  JLCP is able to offer customized lists of child care providers for referrals that meet specific family needs. JLCP also offers consultation and assistance on evaluating and choosing child care, including resources and interviewing techniques.  Learn More About Child Care.

Si desea recibir materiales de búsqueda de cuidado de niños en español, por favor contáctenos.

Up-to-date information about NYS child care registration and licensing regulations is available through our Registration program. If you want to research the history of registered or licensed facilities, visit the New York State Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS).

TYPES OF CARE

Home-based child care: Care is provided to small groups of children by one or two caregivers in the caregiver’s home. Mixed age groups and non-traditional hours may be offered.
Center-based child care: Children are cared for in same age groupings, in non-residential space, and caregivers usually have an overall director.
Preschool programs: Care for 3 hours or less to children usually from 3-5 years old in any setting. May be regulated.
School-aged child care: Care for children enrolled in school that is provided during non-school hours (before & after school or school vacations)..
Legally Exempt (Family, Friend &Neighbor) care: Care provided in the child’s or caregiver’s home, through an agreement between the parent and the caregiver. This care may be eligible for the Child Care Assistance Program described below. 

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Child Care Assistance Program – Income-eligible families may be able to receive help paying for child care while they are working and/or attending school. Contact your local Department of Social Services (DSS) for more information:  Jefferson County – 315.785.3324, Lewis County – 315.376.5400.

For Military Families – NACCRRA is working with the U.S. Military Services to help those who serve in the military find and afford child care that suits their unique needs. Through the fee assistance program, families may be eligible to receive a monthly subsidy to help offset the cost of child care in their communities. 

Earned Income Tax Credit – The Federal and NYS Earned Income Tax Credits are tax credits you claim based on the money you earn on your job.  The amounts will vary depending on your marital status, your family’s earned income and the number of qualified children.  

myBenefits – is the fast and easy way for NY families to find out about many health and human services programs and how to apply for them.

The Family Center at CAPC – serves thousands of families each year through a broad range of programs, including emergency food distribution, tax counseling and summer meals for children.  

PARENT EDUCATION RESOURCES

Community Parent Education Calendar

The Jefferson-Lewis Childcare Project offers workshops for parents and child care providers.  Download the JLCP Workshop Schedule or click on Community Parent Education Calendar on the right

Components of Quality Child Care

Social Emotional Tips for Families with Toddlers PDF

Zero To Three is a national, nonprofit organization that informs, trains, and supports professionals, policymakers, and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers.

Child Care Aware© is the nation’s most respected hub of information for parents and child care providers.

Northern Regional Center for Independent Living (NRCIL) is a disability rights and resource center that promotes community efforts to end discrimination, segregation, and prejudice against people with disabilities.

Vroom is a non-profit initiative tool for connecting parents with activities they can use with their children to foster brain development.

ADVOCACY

Nearly 12 million children under age five spend an average of 36 hours per week in child care. The quality of the care a child receives can have a lifelong effect.  The Jefferson-Lewis Childcare Project keeps parents updated on what lawmakers are doing on issues that affect families and provides opportunities for parents to make their voices heard.  To share your child care successes or struggles please contact us or follow one of the links below.

Docs for Tots Young children’s doctors have the potential to be a critical resource to policymakers and to early childhood advocates. They are among society’s most trusted messengers and can add a critical voice to your efforts. We encourage you to connect with Docs for Tots to learn how to engage doctors as public champions in your advocacy efforts.

Child Care Aware® Parent Network a community of parents dedicated to improving the quality of child care for all children

Winning Beginning NY is a statewide coalition working to inform policy makers and the public about the many benefits of early care and learning including home visiting, child care and Pre-K. The coalition aims to build a broad-based constituency to make investment in quality early care and learning a top public priority in New York State.

New York Works for Children (NYWFC) is the state’s integrated professional development system for the early childhood and school age workforce. 

New York State Association for the Education of Young Children promotes excellence in early care and education services for New York State children and families, through education, advocacy and the support of the profession.