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Westchester Legislators Worry About Child Care Sign-ups

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Democratic Caucus members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators have expressed concern over the low enrollment rate of one of the county’s subsidized child care programs.

The Westchester County Board of Legislators has expressed concern over the low enrollment rate of one of the county’s subsidized child care programs.

The Westchester County Board of Legislators has expressed concern over the low enrollment rate of one of the county’s subsidized child care programs.

Photo Credit: File

The program that serves low-income families, known as Title XX, is running at one-third of the estimated enrollment rate projected in the 2014 budget. Legislators are worried that the low numbers are the direct effect of problems with the enrollment process and the lack of information provided to the public about the program.

Kevin McGuire, commissioner of the county’s Department of Social Services, said in a presentation to the committee that as of June, only 67 children were enrolled in the program even though there is funding for 199 openings.

“I’m disappointed that more than a hundred young Westchester residents and their parents are missing out on this important day care program,” said Legislator Alfreda Williams, D-Greenburgh. “Working families struggling to make ends meet need the help that programs like Title XX provide, and the children benefit from being in a safe and nurturing environment. These slots should all be filled.”

All 10 members of the Democratic Caucus fought for increased spending by the county for the program in the 2014 budget in an effort to make the program available to more Westchester children. Legislators are currently working on fliers and online communication to publicize the program.

“We can do better, and we are not going to wait, in getting this information to our constituents,” said Majority Leader Catherine Borgia, D-Ossining.

Williams said families should contact Westchester County at 914-995-2294 to speak with the application supervisor or visit Westchester County's website here for more information about signing up for Title XX.

Residents having problems applying for the subsidized child care program are asked to contact Williams by phone at 914-995-2833 or email at aaw3@westchestertgov.com.

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