By Acacia Rodriguez

As one of the most expensive cities in the United States, New York’s child care costs have spiraled out of control. The newly created DC 37 Child Care Trust Fund is putting much-needed funds back into parents’ pockets.

With $3 million available from the 2021-2026 Economic Agreement with the City of New York, the new benefit grants eligible members $500 per year for licensed care or $250 a year for informal care.

“Finding affordable care in the city we live and work in is a major challenge for families, and DC 37 is actively identifying solutions to lessen that burden,” said Henry Garrido, Executive Director of District Council 37. “We pushed for the creation of the Child Care Trust in the citywide contract and are pleased to offer this benefit to our members.”

During the Fund’s soft launch period, approximately $100,000 in reimbursement applications has been processed.

“The DC 37 child care credit is a huge help for me as a working mom,” said Gabrielle Rolling, Local 3005 Research Scientist at the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. “Child care costs add up quickly, and this support really makes a difference by easing some of that stress. It means a lot to be part of a union that understands the realities working parents face and shows up with real support when it’s needed.”

Eligible parents can access the reimbursement forms on DC 37’s website or by contacting the Child Care Trust at childcareinfo@dc37.net or 212.815.1100. Once the application is submitted and all qualifications are met, members can expect a two-week turnaround for processing before the check is mailed out.

“It’s important to make sure parents have the child’s birth certificate on file with the DC 37 Health & Security Plan or include it with their application,” said Moira Dolan, Administrator of the Child Care Trust. “Children are not required to be enrolled as a dependent, but we encourage it even if the child is on another health insurance plan. Our supplemental plan is valuable in many ways to the family.”

Current eligible parents are those covered by the 2021-2026 citywide economic agreement, which includes NYCHA, the Department of Education, Health + Hospitals, the library systems, elected official offices, and most cultural institutions. Ineligible parents are those working within agencies covered by a separate economic agreement that did not negotiate a contribution to the Child Care Trust, including EMS, School Construction Authority, Transit Authority, private sector and nonprofit locals, and prevailing rate employees. Ineligible members who are interested in the benefit can suggest to their bargaining committees that employer contributions toward the Child Care Trust be included in upcoming contract negotiations.

The Child Care Trust provides reimbursements for licensed care from regulated centers, after-school programs, summer camps, or day cares that the Department of Health regularly inspects. Informal care provided by a friend, neighbor, or family member will also be accepted. Any eligible child care costs accrued beginning in October 2025 may be submitted for reimbursement.

“We strongly encourage all eligible DC 37 parents to take advantage of this opportunity and review the financial assistance and resources available through the Child Care Trust Fund,” said Shaun D. Francois I, President of DC 37 and Local 372, who also serves as a trustee of the Fund.

The union hopes to expand the program and increase benefits beyond the $500 and $250 limits, but future adjustments depend on member utilization and demand. “Being a working parent in New York City has never been more expensive,” said Dave Seliger, Local 375 Administrative Project Director at Housing Preservation & Development. “Benefits like DC 37’s Child Care Trust Fund are an essential first step toward enabling public servants to serve the city while also being able to live in the city.”

Apply for reimbursement:

Email: childcareinfo@dc37.net
Call: 212.815.1100
Visit: but.ly/dc37childcaretrust

This article originally appeared in the January-March 2026 issue of PEPTalk Magazine.