“I am happy to announce that applications for Child Care Workforce Grants are now open. A total of $500 million in funding is available and will support approximately 150,000 direct childcare staff through financial incentives ranging from $2,300 to $3,000 in retention and referral bonuses for existing staff, as well as sign-on bonuses for new staff. Eligible childcare programs include school-age childcare programs, day care centers, family day care homes, group family day care programs, small day care centers and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene-permitted Article 47 group centers. Staff eligible for retention and referral bonuses must be employed at the program’s physical location, have an active, direct child caring role, have worked a minimum number of hours per week from January 1, 2023, and June 26, 2023, and have a completed background check on or before June 26, 2023. For more information, please visit the Office of Children and Family Services website. I urge any business that may be interested in this program to submit an application.”