If you live in New York City and are looking for child care assistance, understanding the qualification and application process is an important first step.
Building Brilliance Day Care LIC participates in the NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) Child Care Voucher Program. Families who already have a voucher – or who are beginning the application process – can learn more about using child care vouchers at Building Brilliance.
Below, we explain who may qualify, how to apply, what documents you may need and what to do after receiving a voucher.
Who May Qualify for a Child Care Voucher in NYC?
Eligibility for NYC child care assistance is based on several factors, including your household income and your reason for needing child care.
According to ACS, a family may qualify if its income falls within the program’s eligibility limits and the parent or caregiver has an approved reason for care. Qualifying circumstances can include:
- Working at least 10 hours per week
- Attending school or vocational training
- Looking for work
- Living in temporary housing
- Receiving certain domestic violence services
- Receiving treatment for substance use
Your family size, residency, income and individual circumstances are considered when ACS determines eligibility. Review current ACS child care eligibility information.
Because eligibility rules can change, families should always confirm current requirements directly with NYC before applying.
Step 1: Check Whether You May Be Eligible
Before completing an application, you can use an eligibility screening tool to get an initial idea of whether your household may qualify.
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services offers a Child Care Assistance Eligibility Questionnaire. NYC families can also use the ACCESS NYC Eligibility Screener to check for child care assistance and other benefits.
These tools are only preliminary screenings. Your eligibility is officially determined after you submit an application and the required documentation.
Step 2: Apply for Child Care Assistance
For most New York City families seeking low-income child care vouchers, ACS directs applicants to apply online through MyCity.
The NYC Child Care application page provides current application instructions and access to MyCity.
An Important Note About Current Voucher Funding
As of August 2026, NYC states that it currently does not have sufficient funding to issue new vouchers to families who are not receiving Cash Assistance.
Families may still apply. If a family meets the income and program eligibility requirements, however, their child may currently be placed on a voucher waitlist rather than receiving a voucher immediately. Families that already have vouchers can continue receiving assistance through their current eligibility period, subject to applicable program requirements.
Because this situation can change, check the official NYC child care application guidance when you apply.
Families receiving or applying for Cash Assistance may have a different application process through HRA. NYC 311 child care assistance guidance provides additional information based on your circumstances.
Step 3: Gather the Documents You Need
ACS verifies eligibility using information and documentation provided with your application. Depending on your situation, you may need documents relating to:
- Household members
- Household income
- Employment
- School or vocational training
- Your reason for needing child care
- Residency
- Your child’s information
Having these documents organized before applying can make it easier to complete the process and respond to any requests for additional information.
NYC also provides application forms and documentation guidance through its ACS Forms for Families resource.
Step 4: Wait for Your Eligibility Decision
ACS reviews your application to determine whether your family meets the program requirements.
If assistance is available and your family is approved, you may receive a voucher that can be used with an eligible child care provider. If you qualify but new vouchers are unavailable because of current funding limitations, your child may instead be placed on the voucher waitlist. Review ACS information for families.
Receiving voucher approval and securing a place at a daycare are also two separate steps. Families still need to choose a participating provider with an appropriate program and available space.
Using Your Child Care Voucher at Building Brilliance
Building Brilliance Day Care LIC is a licensed child care center in Long Island City serving children ages 1 through 5.
Our programs include:
If your family receives an eligible voucher and you’re interested in Building Brilliance, the next steps are straightforward.
1. Contact Us and Schedule a Tour
Start by contacting Building Brilliance to discuss your child’s age, your voucher status and current program availability.
A tour gives your family an opportunity to see the classrooms, learn about our programs and daily schedule, meet members of our team and ask questions about the voucher enrollment process.
2. Complete the Family Interview and Child Observation
If you decide Building Brilliance may be the right fit for your family, we’ll meet with you and conduct an educational observation of your child to help determine the appropriate classroom placement.
3. Complete Voucher and Enrollment Paperwork
Once your voucher has been issued and a space is available, Building Brilliance will work with your family to complete the necessary provider and enrollment steps.
After an eligible family chooses a provider, the family and provider complete the voucher and supporting information for ACS review. ACS then processes the enrollment and issues an enrollment notice.
Learn more about the complete process on our Accepting Child Care Vouchers page.
Quick NYC Child Care Voucher Checklist
Before choosing a child care provider, make sure you have worked through these basic steps:
- Check your potential eligibility using an official eligibility screener.
- Apply for child care assistance through the appropriate NYC program.
- Gather your documentation regarding income, household members, employment or another qualifying reason for care.
- Wait for ACS to determine eligibility and issue a voucher or waitlist notice.
- Choose an eligible child care provider once a voucher is available.
- Contact Building Brilliance to discuss availability, schedule a tour and begin the enrollment process.
Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Child Care Vouchers
How do I know if I qualify for a child care voucher in NYC?
Eligibility depends on factors including household income, family size, residency and your reason for needing child care. You can use an official eligibility screener for an initial assessment, but ACS makes the final eligibility determination after reviewing your application and documentation.
Can I choose my own daycare with a child care voucher?
Eligible families generally have the ability to choose among approved child care providers participating in the voucher program. Building Brilliance Day Care LIC participates in the ACS Child Care Voucher Program.
Does qualifying for a voucher mean I will receive one immediately?
Not necessarily. Funding availability can affect when new vouchers are issued. NYC currently states that families not receiving Cash Assistance who otherwise qualify may be placed on a waitlist.
Does having a voucher guarantee a spot at Building Brilliance?
No. Voucher eligibility and enrollment at a specific daycare are separate. Enrollment at Building Brilliance depends on program availability and completion of the center’s enrollment and voucher requirements.
What ages does Building Brilliance serve?
Building Brilliance Day Care LIC serves children ages 1 through 5, with toddler programming for ages 1-3 and preschool programming for ages 3-5.
What should I do if I already have a child care voucher?
If you’ve already received a voucher and are interested in enrolling your child at Building Brilliance, contact Building Brilliance Day Care LIC to discuss current availability and schedule a tour.
Looking for a Daycare That Accepts Child Care Vouchers in Long Island City?
Building Brilliance Day Care LIC provides licensed toddler and preschool care in Long Island City and participates in the ACS Child Care Voucher Program.
If you already have a voucher – or you’re applying for assistance and would like to learn more about our center – visit our Child Care Vouchers page or contact us to schedule a tour.
Building Brilliance Day Care LIC
1-14 56th Avenue
Long Island City, NY 11101
718-750-1001
contact@bbdlic.org
Child care voucher eligibility, funding, income requirements and application procedures can change. Families should confirm their current eligibility and voucher status directly with NYC ACS or the appropriate administering agency.
