Childcare in Tompkins County receives a $4.3M boost from state grants. Where it's going

The New York State Comptroller recently reported that Tompkins County had one of the lowest rates of available childcare in the state, limiting access to employment for many families with children in the area.

To help remedy the issue, Assemblymember Anna Kelles, D-Freeville, announced Tuesday that $4.3 million in grants - finalized last fall through the state Capital Assistance Program - will expand childcare and training for care providers across the county.

An event announcing the funding at the Coddington Road Community Center on Wednesday showcased the "Building Community at Coddington Expansion Project," aiming to expand the facility with a full-size gymnasium, a commercial kitchen, and additional childcare spaces allowing the center to extend childcare programs to more families in Tompkins County.

The Tompkins County Legislature contributed $400,000 to the effort through its Community Recovery Fund. Combined with a $700,000 grant from the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council and earmarked state funding, the project will receive $5.3 million.

"Our region has had a shortage for many years, being classified as a childcare desert," Coddington Road Community Center Executive Director Heather Mount said. "Expansion will allow us to modernize our facility, increase capacity, address accessibility issues and return to our roots as a community center with expanded programming for the greater community.”

Outbreak: Tompkins County Health officials warn of Listeria outbreak linked to deli meat

Bronzed: Two Ithaca icons immortalized in educational statue by renowned sculptor. Who are they?

New digs? Tompkins County Legislature looks at building government center in Ithaca

This expansion project means the center, which has a waitlist of about 340 families, will be able to expand capacity and lessen wait times for many. Mount mentioned that the expansion will make room for about 46 additional children, nearly doubling the center's current capacity.

“Our child care providers are the backbone of our communities, providing vital services for Tompkins and Cortland Counties’ working families," Kelles said Wednesday. "These funds will allow the Coddington Road Community Center and the CDC of CNY to continue delivering high quality care to our children at a critical time in their development. They will also enable these agencies to bolster the resources they offer to our childcare providers."

This article originally appeared on Ithaca Journal: Childcare in Tompkins County receives a $4.3M boost from state grants. Where it's going