Day Care

Applications for Day Care Assistance can be made remotely. Application packets and supporting documents can be mailed to Day Care Assistance, 95 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202. Applications are available through the following links:

Individual Application for Child Care Assistance - *updated June 2024*

Instructions on how to fill out Day Care Application - *updated June 2024*

Required Supporting Documentation for Day Care Assistance Applications:

• 8 paystubs or an employers statement for new employment(start date, hourly rate and hours and schedule)
• Verification of residence and household composition (Shelter Verification Form, lease, collateral verification form)
• Completed child support form
• Child Care Questionnaire (B-3923)

Low-income child care assistance is available to employed families who earn 85% of the state median income or less. Parents contribute toward the cost of care based on a sliding income scale.

All eligible families with incomes up to 85% of the state median income or less are able to submit an application for child care subsidy. Parents are encouraged to submit all pending documentation and re-certification applications by the assigned due date, to maintain enrollment in the Child Care Subsidy Program.

Temporary Assistance Child Care

Available to recipients of cash benefits who are also employed or engaged in an approved work activity, vocational or educational training program. Temporary Assistance recipients should contact their worker or employment counselor to discuss child care assistance eligibility.

Transitional Child Care Assistance

Available to recipients of Temporary Assistance who become ineligible for cash benefits due to earned income. Transitional Child Care is guaranteed for 12 months after case closing if the working family earns less than or equal to a designed percentage of the State Income Standard (which is based on the 85% of the state median income and subject to change). There is no family share for the 12 months of transitional care. 

Non-Temporary Assistance Child Care (Subsidy Program)

Available to working families who earn less than 85% of the state median income. Parents contribute to the cost of care according to a sliding scale. Assistance is also available to teen parents attending high school or GED programs. Also families enrolled in approved educational and vocational programs may be eligible for assistance. For information about Non-Temporary Assistance Child Care, contact the Erie County Day Care Unit at (716) 858-8953 (TYKE). The Day Care Unit is located on the fourth floor of the Rath Building, Room 449, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo NY 14202.

Preventive/Protective Services Child Care

Available to recipients of Children Services when child care is mandated as part of a family's service plan. For information about this type of child care, contact Children's Services at (716) 858-8349.

Child Care Resource Network
100 Hertel Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14216
[716] 877-6666

NYS Office of Children and Family Services
Child Care Licensing and Information
295 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14202
[716] 847-3828

Erie County Day Care Unit
95 Franklin Street, Room 448, Buffalo, New York 14202
[716] 858-8953

For Vendors seeking lost or stolen checks:
[716] 858-6676

Erie County Department of Contract Compliance
[716] 858-7203