Childcare Expansion was a Utica Prosperity Initiative Phase I Project
Earlier this year, Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri announced the Utica Prosperity Initiative, a
framework for the city to achieve substantive and sustainable impact by utilizing resources to address the needs of the community. As part of the initiative, the city solicited public input to determine the community’s top priorities, projects, and programs.
In June, the city unveiled the Utica Prosperity Initiative’s Phase I projects, one of which was an expansion of childcare. Childcare was overwhelmingly the community’s most supported project as part of the Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative (ESPRI). Mayor Palmieri, in partnership with United Way of the Mohawk Valley and Academics First, today announced the city will provide funding to expand the hours of childcare as outlined in Phase I.
Academics First currently offers licensed childcare from 6:00am-6:00pm on weekdays, however, with this investment, childcare will soon be available from 6:00am-9:00pm on weekdays and from 6:00am-6:00pm on weekends. United Way and Academics First are working on the ramp up to offer those expanded hours. The additional hours will accommodate a wider range of needs of parents and caregivers. More information about the program, or any other inquiries can be found by visiting
Academics Frist website http://www.acedemicsfirstutica.org or by calling 315-624-0272.
The city will be announcing the implementation of other Phase I projects and unveil the Utica Prosperity Initiative’s Phase II projects next week.
Mayor Palmieri stated, “The Utica Prosperity Initiative is about listening to the community.
Childcare is clearly a huge hurdle in combatting poverty, and it is imperative we expand it to help more parents in need. I thank United Way for their outstanding work and look forward to the continuing partnership.”
United Way of the Mohawk Valley Executive Director Erin Gutierrez Matt stated, “Supporting
childcare in our region has always been a top priority for United Way. Partnering with the City of Utica on this initiative allows Academics First to continue to expand access to affordable childcare when families need it the most.”
