About Us

Created in 1970 as an advisory body to the Dutchess County government, the Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam, Inc. is the New York State designated Child Care Resource and Referral agency for both Dutchess and Putnam counties and is part of a network of 39 such agencies throughout New York State.

The Council offers parents information on child care and gives referrals to child care programs from its database of over 400 programs in the two counties. The Council registers, renews, regulates and monitors Family Day Care and School Age programs. Technical assistance and required training are offered on an ongoing basis to child care providers. We also administer the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) for home-based child care, guiding providers on how to provide nutritious snacks and meals to the children in care.

The Council works on making child care available, accessible, and affordable for all parents, while at the same time strives to improve the quality of care. The Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam, Inc. is an essential link between the early care and education system and the community.