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Help from your union

member support

We offer comprehensive, hands-on support to our members to enhance their professional development and ensure their business success. To receive assistance with any of the following services below, members can call UFT Providers at (212) 598-9533,Ìýor they can contact us via email atÌýproviderhelp [at] uft [dot] org (providerhelp[at]uft[dot]org).

Advice and information on inspections

  • Avoiding violations:ÌýGuidance on best practices to prevent violations during inspections.
  • Handling violations:ÌýExpert advice on steps to take when you receive a violation.
  • Corrective action plans:ÌýAssistance with writing effective corrective action plans.
  • Real-Time inspection support:ÌýImmediate advice and support during inspections.
  • OCFS hearings support:ÌýAdvice related to hearings on suspensions, revocations and closures.

In-person support and advocacy at OCFS hearings

  • Union representation:ÌýNon-legal in-person advocacy services at New York State hearings for providers unable to afford legal services.

Assistance with ACS/HRA payments

  • YMS vendor payment information:ÌýGuidance for new providers to start receiving payments for caring for subsidy children.
  • Payment resolution support:ÌýOne-on-one assistance for resolving non-payments, delayed payments, missing payments and incorrect payment amounts.
  • Mediation for payment discrepancies:ÌýAssistance and mediation for incorrect payment amounts for enrolled children.
  • Market rate adjustment assistance:ÌýHelp for providers who applied for but did not receive the market rate adjustment, ensuring retroactive payment to the application date.

Citywide Provider meetings

  • Quarterly updates:ÌýMeetings to update providers on childcare, early childhood education, new policies, inspection updates, market rate changes, grants, training and more.

Agency partnership meetings

  • Direct communication:ÌýMeetings with NYC ACS, NYC DOH, and NYS OCFS throughout the year, allowing providers to speak directly with agencies and receive updates on payments, fingerprinting, licensing, compliance, inspections, health issues and policy changes.

One-on-one marketing assistance

  • Business flyer updates:ÌýAssistance with updating business flyers.
  • Website and social media review:ÌýCritical feedback and recommendations for business websites and social media platforms.

Market rate application assistance meetings

  • Information on new market rates:ÌýGuidance on new market rates as they are released every two years.
  • Assistance meetings:ÌýCity-wide market rate assistance meetings in partnership with NYC ACS representatives to fast-track processing and payments for new higher rates.

Family support for death benefit

  • Death benefit processing:ÌýHandling and processing death benefits for families, ensuring paperwork is processed efficiently to ease the burden during difficult times.

Network advocacy

  • Mediation with networks:ÌýMediation on behalf of providers if their rights are violated, if the network is fiscally irresponsible, imposes unfair practices, or if providers want to disaffiliate or affiliate with a network.

Lobby Day in Albany

  • Advocacy day:ÌýOrganizing and participating in Lobby Day in Albany to advocate for policies and legislation that benefit childcare providers and early childhood education.

Monthly meetings with NYS OCFS

  • Regular advocacy:ÌýMonthly meetings with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (NYS OCFS) to advocate on behalf of members, addressing issues related to licensing, compliance, inspections, and policy changes.

Tenant/landlord information

  • Critical information:ÌýProviding crucial information for providers threatened by landlords for operating a daycare business in their apartments.

CACFP (food program enrollment assistance)

  • Enrollment assistance: Information and support to assist providers in enrolling in the programs.

Additional services

  • Professional development & grant opportunities:ÌýAccess to a variety of grant assistance, trainingÌýand development programs to enhance professional skills and knowledge.
  • Networking opportunities:ÌýOpportunities to connect with fellow childcare providersÌýand ÐãÐãÖ±²¥members, and ÐãÐãÖ±²¥leadership to share experiences and best practices.
  • Advocacy for policy changes:ÌýRepresentation and advocacy at the local, state, and national levels for policies that benefit childcare providers and early childhood education.
  • Resource sharing:ÌýAccess to a wealth of resources, including educational materials, templates, and guides to support day-to-day operations.
  • Emotional and peer support:ÌýA community of peers to provide emotional support and share experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity.
  • Discounts and perks:ÌýAccess to discounts on supplies, educational materials, and other resources through ÐãÐãÖ±²¥partnerships.