ALBANY, NY – Assemblymember Phara Forrest has introduced legislation (A08862) that would establish a three-year pilot program within New York’s Office for New Americans (ONA) to train and support immigrants seeking to open licensed in-home daycare services.
The proposal, known as the “Immigrant In-Home Child Care Training Act,” would provide participants with instruction in state licensing requirements, safety and health standards, and small business management. The program would also offer technical assistance and connect participants with community resources to help them navigate the licensing and startup process.
According to the bill memo, the initiative aims to address both the statewide shortage of affordable child care and the economic challenges faced by immigrant families. Many immigrants, the memo notes, already provide informal caregiving services but lack access to the information or training needed to operate legally as licensed providers.
The pilot would run for three years, during which ONA would be required to submit annual progress reports to the governor and legislature. The agency would also be authorized to accept private or federal grants and donations to fund the program.
Forrest said the bill is designed to promote economic self-sufficiency and workforce development among immigrant New Yorkers while expanding access to child care, particularly in underserved areas.
The legislation is currently under consideration in the Assembly and would take effect 120 days after becoming law, with a sunset clause repealing it three years later.