Day Care

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

Did you know?  The Child Care Assistance Program, commonly referred to as the Subsidy Program, can help parents/caretakers pay for some or all of the cost of child care services.  In general, families are eligible for financial assistance with child care if they meet the state’s low-income guidelines and need child care to work, look for work, attend employment training, attend an education program, and/or meet income requirements.  For more information, and to apply through the new Child Care Assistance Application portal (CCAA),  please visit: https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/ccap/help.php and scroll down to the section To Apply for CCAP.

Where can the application be obtained?

How can I submit my completed application and/or other necessary documentation for my case?

  • Mail the application to: Day Care Unit, 250 Arsenal Street, Watertown, NY 13601
  • Fax the application to: 315-785-3346
  • E-mail the application to: JeffDaycare@dfa.state.ny.us 
  • Drop the application into the drop box located at 250 Arsenal Street, Watertown NY
  • Bring the application to the agency and deliver by hand. (Currently we recommend utilizing one of the other methods of submittal above.)

Do I need to complete a face-to-face interview?

  • No interview is needed to process a Day Care Subsidy Application. The application and relevant documentation are all that is needed.

How long does the application process take?

  • Regulations state applications must be processed within 30 days of receipt. We do our best to process applications quickly and will continue to do everything we can to provide timely decisions, given the circumstances.  


Child Care Resource Personnel from CAPC (Community Action Planning Council)
CAPC's Childcare Resource and Referral Department can assist individuals who are in need of a daycare provider.

Call 315-782-8475 for assistance.

Their duties include:

  • Supplying a list of various Daycare providers and telephone numbers
  • Reviewing legally Exempt Daycare applications
  • Providing technical assistance to legally exempt daycare provider

To find out if you are eligible for a child subsidy, or for more information on how to apply, please contact Jefferson County Department of Social Services at (315) 785-3324

If you want general information about child care subsidies, please visit: https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/childcare.paying.asp

If you are interested in starting child day care in your community, please visit: https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/childcare/becomeaprovider.asp