New York Child Care Subsidies Fall Short for Many Latino Families, Study Finds

Despite recent improvements, Latino families in New York continue to face significant challenges when applying for child care subsidies, according to a new study.

The report, released by the National Research Center on Hispanic Children & Families, sheds light on the experiences of staff who implement the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). They describe a disproportionately low rate of subsidy receipt among Latino children in New York, a state home to over one million children who are part of the demographic.

Concretely, data from 2020 shows that only 13% of eligible Latino children received child care subsidies, higher than the national average of 9%, but still below the state average of 15% for all children.

Key factors that allow parents to qualify for subsidies include employment, job searches, and job training. Additionally, local CCAP staff noted that English as a Second Language (ESL) classes were more common qualifying activities for Latino applicants compared to non-Latino applicants. On the other hand, activities like post-secondary education and child involvement in protective services or foster care were more frequently reported among non-Latino applicants.

However, more complex documentation requirements—such as income verification and proof of work hours—pose significant barriers for many Latino families, particularly those with irregular jobs or cash-based wages. Language barriers and fears surrounding immigration status further strain the application process for some.

While most CCAP staff reported minimal issues when receiving documentation, nearly 40% indicated that providing proof of work hours and income can be particularly difficult for families. Many parents work multiple jobs, are self-employed, or have fluctuating work hours, making the required documentation harder to secure.

One significant finding is the lack of cultural and linguistic representation among staff. Fewer than 10% of staff members identified as Latino or fluent in Spanish, leaving many reliant on centrally provided resources to communicate with Spanish-speaking applicants. Only about 5% of frontline staff felt they were "greatly" prepared to assist families who primarily speak Spanish.

Efforts to increase awareness through targeted outreach in Latino communities remain insufficient, according to the study. Only a third of agencies reported engaging in such initiatives, highlighting a missed opportunity to better support Latino families.

In New York, the Child Care Assistance Program is administered at the county level, with 58 local social service districts overseeing 62 counties. This decentralized structure can lead to varying experiences and access to resources across the state.