Families in Sullivan County are facing a difficult choice: go to work or pay for child care. New York’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps eligible families cover daycare costs, has been paused in Sullivan and more than 30 other counties.

“CCAP is meant to help families pay for daycare,” said Isabelle Braverman, editor of the Sullivan County Democrat. “There are eligibility requirements such as your income levels. Based on that, you can receive a certain amount to help pay for the cost, sometimes even fully covered.”

The pause began July 1. Families already enrolled continue to receive funding, but new or renewed applications are on hold. Braverman said the program may not resume until January 2026 due to budget constraints.

Daycare providers report immediate impacts. At Twin Bridge Play School in Liberty, four children have left and several others moved to part-time care. “It’s really not sustainable for them as a daycare,” Braverman said. At Jessica’s Daycare in Monocello, owner Jessica Dean is advocating for more funding and plans to create a nonprofit scholarship fund to help families while CCAP remains paused.

Braverman noted potential short-term solutions, including returning to the former CCAP payment structure to free up funds for delayed applications. State officials say they are working to expand childcare access, but Sullivan County’s funding gap remains a challenge.

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