What does this measure?

The percentage of children under age 14 in subsidized child care.

Why is this important?

Parents who cannot pay for child care on their own may be unable to work or may leave children unsupervised. Child care subsidies can help low-income families get on their feet financially. The number of families receiving such help can be a partial measure of the number of working poor people in a region, though policy and administrative decisions can also factor into trends.

How is the Greater Capital Region performing?

In 2007, 3.1% of the region's children were in subsidized care, down from 3.8% in 2003. That was lower than the statewide figure of 3.6%. Participation was highest in Albany and Schenectady counties but declined from 2003. Participation grew in Rensselaer and Schoharie counties. The declines may reflect various combinations of decreased need, declines in the number of children under 14 and changes in how the subsidy program is managed by local and state governments.

Notes about the data

Data for each year represent the average of the number of children in subsidized care each month of the year, out of all children under age 14. Data for the years prior to 2003 were not consistently available for all counties. Comparable national data were not available. To be eligible for subsidized care, a child must be under 13, under 18 if disabled, or under a court order. Data do not reflect the number of children eligible for subsidized care, only those receiving it following a formal application and approval process. CGR calculated rates using Census population estimates.