The Town of Tonawanda and Upwards, a national childcare network and technology company, have partnered to launch a new childcare provider support program in New York State. Upwards’ Boost program aims to strengthen local licensed childcare providers by offering free business support to streamline operations, increase enrollment, and expand childcare availability. Funded by the Town of Tonawanda’s Community Development Block Grant program, this initiative is expected to create new childcare jobs and enhance childcare accessibility within the community.

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Town of Tonawanda and Upwards Launch First-of-Its-Kind Childcare Provider Support Program in New York State (Graphic: Business Wire)

“Childcare plays an important role in supporting working families and our local economy,” said Town of Tonawanda Councilwoman Gina Santa Maria. “Through the Boost Program, childcare providers will gain valuable business support, families will have access to more childcare options, and the town will benefit from a stronger childcare infrastructure that supports workforce participation and dual-income households. This collaboration is an important foundation to address vital childcare needs in the Town of Tonawanda and support local economic development.”

Effective immediately, licensed daycare providers in Town of Tonawanda can enroll in the Upwards Boost program to take advantage of its many benefits:

- Streamlined Operations: The Boost program offers free access to Upwards’ daycare management platform, automating administrative tasks and saving providers an average of 20 hours per week. This includes financial management, tuition processing, attendance tracking, and subsidy reimbursement. The platform also features a library of curated activities for easier lesson planning.

- Increased Enrollment and Business Growth: Boost connects providers with families through Upwards' matching technology and marketing support, helping them quickly fill spots and expand capacity. Parents can easily communicate with caregivers in real time using the app, schedule virtual and in-person tours, and share photos and videos to stay connected and reassured about their children's well-being and care experience. Additionally, BOOST provides a year of personalized business coaching, with specialists helping childcare owners with business planning, staffing, license expansion, and building strong family relationships.

In-home childcare providers in the Town of Tonawanda interested in the program can sign up and learn more about Upwards and BOOST at upwards.com/provide-care/boost or contact Upwards at (323) 431-9223.

By strengthening licensed childcare providers, Upwards is expanding access to affordable, high-quality care for local families. Through the Boost partnership with the Town of Tonawanda, families can create a free Upwards account to receive personalized support, including finding childcare options, scheduling facility tours, and navigating the childcare process.

"The Town of Tonawanda is leading the way in addressing childcare challenges by pioneering the Upwards Boost program in the state," remarked Jessa Santangelo, VP of Business Development and Community Impact at Upwards. "By providing essential business tools and resources, we're not only empowering individual daycares but also strengthening the overall childcare infrastructure. Nationally, our Boost program has successfully created new childcare jobs and increased the availability of childcare spots. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every child has access to high-quality, affordable care."

Since its launch in 2022, the Upwards BOOST program has proven to be a catalyst for childcare success in nearly 20 municipalities across the country. By stabilizing and creating new childcare jobs, the program has empowered providers to increase gross revenue by 30% and childcare spots by 50%. This growth has been instrumental in maintaining and expanding childcare accessibility, with 97% of participating providers remaining open throughout the program year.

About Upwards:

Upwards (formerly WeeCare) is a technology-driven care solutions company with a mission to make care accessible to all families and empower the caregivers who provide it. Upwards brings together families, care providers, employers, and governments to create new care avenues in real-time and utilizes a data-driven approach to enhance the supply and capacity of the care system. Upwards matches families with caregivers equipped to meet their unique needs and connects families with the resources they need to afford care, whether through government subsidies or workplace benefits. To learn more, visit upwards.com.

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