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SUNY Canton Receives $1 Million from NBRC for New Childcare Center

A project currently in the architectural and engineering design phase moves closer to becoming the college's newest stand-alone building.

Canton, NY (12/08/2025) — SUNY Canton has received word that the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) has funded a $1 million federal grant to help the college create an on-campus childcare center. The new funding follows a previous $2.3 million investment announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2022. The entire project is estimated to cost approximately $18.7 million.

"The NBRC funding moves us closer to our goal of expanding childcare access at the college and for the Canton community," said SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran. "The project aligns closely with our mission of providing an affordable, inclusive and accessible education without barriers. It's the right move for our students and is much needed in our community."

The SUNY Canton Childcare Center is a planned 15,000-square-foot facility that will provide high-quality childcare and early education for approximately 76 children, ranging in age from 6 weeks to 5 years old. The Center was designed to offer affordable care using an income-based sliding scale. Proposals indicate that the project will initially create 10 construction jobs and 13 permanent jobs upon completion.

SUNY Canton Vice President for Communications and Strategic Relations Lenore VanderZee authored the grant proposal with support from the college's Research and Sponsored Programs Office. She said she was thrilled that the NBRC chose to provide funding for the project.

"Their investment advances our project with the ultimate goal of providing much-needed childcare and early intervention services to our students, faculty, staff and to the broader community," VanderZee said. "By increasing access to reliable, affordable childcare, the project supports workforce participation and provides stability for area families."

The building is currently slated to be built next to Parking Lot 7, close to the college's French Hall administrative building. It will include six classrooms, therapy rooms, observation spaces for student learning, indoor and outdoor play areas, a commercial kitchen, and administrative offices.

"An on-campus childcare center will provide an ideal educational and internship setting for SUNY Canton Early Childhood students," said Distinguished Teaching Professor Maureen Maiocco, Ed.D. "Applied learning opportunities for students in several of our degree programs will be integrated in Center's mission."

In addition to serving as an experiential learning hub for students in Early Childhood, it will also provide educational opportunities for students in several other academic programs.

The Center aligns with state and regional priorities for workforce development, economic growth, energy efficiency and climate resilience. It will use geothermal heating, efficient building systems and stormwater management features.

Several area elected officials weighed in on the overall $11.3 million in NBRC federal funding, which included 18 projects.

Senator Chuck Schumer said, "These federal investments will help spur economic development, create new jobs, strengthen our infrastructure, and boost quality of life across the region."

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, "With more than $11 million going to support communities from the North Country to the Finger Lakes, we're expanding access to health care and early education, upgrading critical infrastructure, and helping communities across the region build a stronger future. I'm proud to have fought to deliver this funding that will strengthen our communities and make a real difference for working families."

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik said, "Investing in our region has always been one of my top priorities in Congress, and this funding is another major win for New York families, school districts, rural hospitals, and veterans. I look forward to building on this momentum and advancing NBRC initiatives that improve rural healthcare, expand opportunity, and create new jobs for New Yorkers."

Discover SUNY Canton, where innovation meets opportunity. The college's career-focused educational programs emphasize hands-on and applied learning opportunities in digital design, engineering technology, health, information technology, management, public service, and veterinary technology. Faculty members bring real-world experience and exceptional academic expertise to the classroom. As a leader in online education, SUNY Canton offers unmatched flexibility with hundreds of courses and 25 comprehensive degree programs offered completely online. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos compete at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the SUNYAC. In addition to its 15 traditional teams, SUNY Canton offers coed varsity esports and cheerleading.

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An architects' rendering of SUNY Canton's proposed Childcare Center building. The new structure is currently planned for construction next to Parking Lot 7 on campus.

SUNY Canton recently received notification that it secured a $1 million federal Northern Border Regional Commission grant to help fund its new Childcare Center.

Plans for SUNY Canton's new childcare center include six classrooms, therapy rooms, observation spaces for student learning, indoor and outdoor play areas, a commercial kitchen, and administrative offices.

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