Dear Jessica,

Back-to-school in full swing! What an exciting and jam-packed time this is for you!

January 1 may symbolize a fresh start for many, but for a lot of us it's September that symbolizes a month of new beginnings. For family child care educators, you’re welcoming new children into your programs. You may be helping older ones adjust when the school day ends. And you're accommodating families as they make sense of new schedules. It is no small undertaking, so please remember that we are here for you if you seek advice, coaching, or an understanding ear!

We can't wait to come together again, whether it’s in-person or online. In this week's newsletter, you'll find fall offerings and wonderful opportunities to share knowledge, advance your programs and have joyful moments together. In the coming weeks, you can refer to this newsletter as a resource for voting and timely election news. As you may have heard, child care was not included in the federal government’s most recent reconciliation bill - but we remain optimistic about what we will accomplish over time! Nobody can deny the increased visibility that family child care has, in part because you took action, sending 5,000 letters and postcards to legislative leaders, attending Town Halls, sharing your stories with national publications and members of Congress. The skills and insights you brought to this work aren’t going away, and the future of family child care advocacy is richer for it.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder as we continue to advocate for bold investment in child care. We are thankful for all that you do each and every day to enrich not only the lives of children, but your fellow educators. There is no doubt that your sacrifices are great - but the benefits your children and families experience are equally profound.

Wishing you a safe and happy back-to-school season!

With Love,

The All Our Kin Team

Apply for OCFS Stabilization Grant 2.0

All child care providers can now apply for the second round of Child Care Stabilization Grants. Grants are up to $17,500 for GFDC programs and $8,800 for FDC programs. This is money that YOU fought for from New York State and can be used for “workforce supports,” which includes paying yourself and your staff.

For additional support, reach out to All Our Kin at 718-450-8857 or call the OCFS Stabilization Help Line: 844-863-9319.

Child Care Vouchers for Families in High Needs Areas

New York City's Administration for Children Services (ACS) is now accepting applications for child care vouchers from families that live in community districts identified as ‘high-need,’ including most of the Bronx. Families that are eligible will receive priority access to vouchers.

New Market Rates for ACS Vouchers — Request a Payment Rate Increase!

Do you serve families with ACS vouchers? You may be eligible to apply for a payment rate increase!

Helping Children Get a Good Start

Child Mind Institute has compiled a collection of resources for parents and educators to help children navigate specific struggles and ease back-to-school anxiety.