NY to require online database for child care

ALBANY - A new law will require the state to keep an online database to help parents and caregivers find after-school child care.

The law signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo comes after he vetoed similar legislation last year, but instead ordered the Council on Children and Families to create a database on child care facilities in New York.

So the database, with an online mapping tool, has already been largely created by the state Office of Children and Family Services. But now a law is on the books dictating what should be included, such as all publicly funded and registered after-school and school-age child care programs, lawmakers said.

The state agency has "finally come a long way down the road in doing this," said Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer, D-Yonkers, who sponsored the bill. "It really happened because we passed a bill and kept up the pressure that is a valuable resource for families."

The online tool includes a listing and map of all publicly funded after school, summer program and school-aged child care programs in New York.

The database shows parents and caregivers the name and address of these facilities and includes the name and phone number of someone who can answer any questions or concerns they may have about that specific location.

"Connecting parents with the resources they need when making important decisions about child care and after-school programs is key,” said Sen. Tim Kennedy, D-Buffalo, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, in a statement.

“By creating this online map, we're streamlining the search process for families, and making information easily accessible online.

The site also has a link to check any violations and inspections at each facility.

The new webpage has step-by-step instructions for users.

Different tabs help to search for various types of care, like child care or after-school programs. There are also links provided on the website to different child care resources for families looking for child care.

The website allows anyone looking for child care facilities to type in a location and the map will show all of the various child care and after-school care places that are nearest to their location. Users can search up to a 10-mile radius around that location for child care.

The map will be updated at least once every 90 days to show any new child care facilities and show any other changes and updates to keep parents and caregivers informed on what options are available to them.

NVaughn@Gannett.com

Natasha Vaughn is a staff writer with USA TODAY Network's Albany Bureau.