Cornell staff and faculty members can now apply to the 2010 Child Care Grant Subsidy Program, which awards up to $5,000 a year, tax-free, to help benefits-eligible employees pay for legally recognized child care expenses. The grant covers infant and toddler day care, preschool and preK programs, child care for school holidays, school-age summer day camps or programs, and before- and after-school care.

The deadline for submitting applications is Sept. 4.

"We strongly encourage parents to begin to develop their plans for their 2010 child care services, as that is the most time-consuming part of the process," said Theresa Rapacki, Benefit Services resource manager and program coordinator. "We've also made some minor changes to the application process, allowing employees to mail or hand-deliver their applications and supporting documentation, and adjusting the amounts projected for each household income level."

Complete the application form carefully; incomplete applications will be returned. Rapacki encourages prospective applicants to become familiar with all available information, even if they have received such grants in the past, and download an application here: http://www.ohr.cornell.edu/benefits/childcareGrant/index.html, e-mail childcare@cornell.edu or call Benefit Services at 607-255-3936.