New York Labor Commissioner visits Schenectady Childcare Center

Reardon discusses tax credits, apprenticeships, and universal childcare pilots to address staffing and waitlist challenges

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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New York Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon visited the YWCA's Early Learning Center in Schenectady to discuss the challenges of staffing and long waitlists that many childcare providers are facing. Reardon, who also co-chairs the state's Childcare Availability Task Force, is working with Governor Hochul on developing three pilot programs for universal childcare that will provide free access to all families regardless of income.

Why it matters

Access to affordable and reliable childcare is a critical issue for working families, with long waitlists and staffing shortages limiting availability in many communities. The state's efforts to expand universal childcare could have a significant impact on parents' ability to participate in the workforce and support local economies.

The details

The YWCA's Early Learning Center in Schenectady provides childcare to 60 children between six months and five years old, but has long waitlists for its services. The center recently had to relocate temporarily to continue operations. Commissioner Reardon discussed potential solutions like tax credits and registered apprenticeship programs to help the center attract and retain staff. The YWCA is also planning to add another 100 childcare slots at a new site on McClellan Street.

  • Commissioner Reardon visited the YWCA's Early Learning Center on March 10, 2026.
  • Governor Hochul's three universal childcare pilot programs are currently in development in Broome, Dutchess and Monroe counties.

The players

Roberta Reardon

New York Labor Commissioner and co-chair of the state's Childcare Availability Task Force.

Kimberly Siciliano

CEO of the YWCA in Northeastern New York, which operates the Early Learning Center in Schenectady.

Governor Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York who is overseeing the development of three universal childcare pilot programs in the state.

YWCA's Early Learning Center

A childcare facility in Schenectady, New York that provides services to 60 children between six months and five years old.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of our rooms have waitlists. We can't bring them in because another struggle that we do have is bringing in staff.”

— Kimberly Siciliano, CEO, YWCA in Northeastern New York (news10.com)

“What more can we do? Are there tax credits that they're not aware of? We talked about registered apprenticeships because we would love for them to start a program.”

— Roberta Reardon, New York Labor Commissioner (news10.com)

“Their earnings go down and the impact is felt in the family and in the community. I believe that, you know, it's what we owe to our families.”

— Roberta Reardon, New York Labor Commissioner (news10.com)

What’s next

The three universal childcare pilot programs being developed by Governor Hochul in Broome, Dutchess and Monroe counties are expected to launch in the coming months, providing free childcare access to all families regardless of income.

The takeaway

Addressing the childcare crisis in New York will require a multi-pronged approach, including exploring tax credits, apprenticeship programs, and innovative models like universal childcare. Ensuring access to affordable, high-quality childcare is critical for supporting working families and local economies.