Day care centers across Long Island and New York state, and some families who rely on them, will soon be seeing a major influx of money from the federal government totaling nearly $1.8 billion.

The money can be used to provide subsidies for families who qualify based on income levels. It can also be used to reopen centers that were forced to close during the pandemic because of declining enrollment to pay for pandemic-related expenses like PPE, cover rent and mortgage, personnel and training.

Sen. Charles Schumer made the announcement about the federal funds Wednesday.  

Child care advocates say dozens of programs across Long Island have closed while others have had to lay off staff. Day care owners say the money is vital to rebuilding a system that so many parents rely on.

There are about 730 licensed and registered child care centers across Long Island that are eligible for the new funding. One of them is Marks of Excellence in Amityville, owned by Alicia Marks.

“Our families and children depend on us and we want to be here to take care of them to keep Long Island working,” she said.