Study shows New York child care subsidies fall short for many Latino families

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

The report, published by the National Research Center on Hispanic Children & Families, highlights the experiences of staff implementing the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). They describe a disproportionately low subsidy rate among Latino children in New York, a state home to over a million children who belong to this population group.

Specifically, 2020 data shows that only 13% of eligible Latino children received child care subsidies, which is above the national average of 9% but still below the national average of 15% for all children.

Key factors that allow parents to qualify for grants include employment, job search and job training. Additionally, local CCAP staff found that English as a Second Language (ESL) courses were more common qualifying activities for Latino applicants than for non-Latino applicants. On the other hand, activities such as post-secondary education and child involvement in protective services or foster care were more commonly reported among non-Latino applicants.

However, more complex documentation requirements – such as verifying income and proving hours worked – pose significant barriers for many Latino families, particularly those with irregular jobs or cash wages. Language barriers and fears surrounding immigration status make the application process even more difficult for some.

While most CCAP employees reported minimal problems obtaining documentation, nearly 40% said providing proof of hours worked and income can be particularly difficult for families. Many parents work multiple jobs, are self-employed or have fluctuating working hours, which makes it difficult to obtain the necessary documents.

A key finding is the lack of cultural and linguistic representation among employees. Less than 10% of employees identify as Latino or are fluent in Spanish, leaving many relying on centrally provided resources to communicate with Spanish-speaking applicants. Only about 5% of frontline workers felt “very well” prepared to support families who speak primarily Spanish.

According to the study, efforts to raise awareness through targeted outreach in Latino communities remain inadequate. Only a third of agencies reported participating in such initiatives, indicating 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 result in diverse experiences and access to resources across the state.