More than 10 upstate New York counties have already shut down enrollment in child care assistance programs due to a looming $276 million funding shortfall, with more closures expected in the coming months. Despite growing demand fueled by expanded eligibility, state funding has remained largely flat, threatening access for tens of thousands of families and destabilizing the already fragile child care system. Advocates warn that without urgent action in the state budget, working parents will be left without affordable care and providers will face severe financial strain.