What does this measure?

The percentage of children in subsidized child care, expressed as a rate of all children under 13.

Why is this important?

Parents who cannot pay for child care on their own may be unable to work or may leave children unsupervised. Child care subsidies can help low-income families get on their feet financially. The number of families receiving such help can be a partial measure of the number of working poor people in a region, though policy and administrative decisions can also factor into trends.

How is the region performing?

In 2021, over 1,300 children, or 0.7% of the region's children under 13, participated in subsidized child care. This was less than the 1.4% rate statewide (excluding NYC). Since 2007, the region's rate has remained steady with very little fluctuation. Over that time, Putnam County has consistently had the lowest rate in the region, at 0.1%, followed by Columbia, Greene, Orange and Sullivan (all around 0.5%). Dutchess and Ulster had the highest, both at 1%.

Notes about the data

Data for each year represent the average of the number of children in subsidized care each month of the year, out of all children under age 13. Data for the years prior to 2007 were not consistently available for all counties. Comparable national data were not available. To be eligible for subsidized care, a child must be under 13, under 18 if disabled, or under a court order. Data do not reflect the number of children eligible for subsidized care, only those receiving it following a formal application and approval process.