Nick Reisman is reporting for State of Politics child care providers in New York state can apply for $30 million in federal grant funding to support and expand programs where there are not enough open slots, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on July 20. The money was made available through the federal pandemic relief sent to states and meant to address areas where child care services are lacking. New York is spending $100 million in order to expand child care offerings. The pandemic and the workplace disruptions caused by the crisis have heightened policy questions around child care. Many parents struggled to find adequate care programs even before the pandemic, and a worker shortage has added to frustrations. Officials want to expand child care in existing daycare centers and school-age child programs by funding more slots designated for infants and toddlers or children with special needs. There is also a push to expand specific child care programs for small centers, family child care programs and group family child care programs where enrollment is under capacity. The money can be used for employee payroll or benefits, as well as supporting staff for COVID vaccine expenses, rent, mortgage or utility payments, or helping pay for training and professional development. Applications are being accepted through August 24. Read the full story at nystateofpolitics [dot] com.