Project Builds on Governor Hochul’s Commitment to Expanding Access to Affordable Child Care Statewide
ESD Commitment of $680,000 Helped Unlock 100 Additional Childcare Slots in Borough Park
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the completion of a $1.7 million renovation of the facility operated by Tiny Tots Learning Center (TLC) at 1372 40th Street in Brooklyn. Supported by a $680,000 ESD capital grant recommended by the New York City Regional Economic Development Council, the adaptive reuse project transformed a former commercial space into a modern, expanded childcare center, strengthening community infrastructure and supporting working families in the Borough Park neighborhood. The project also aligns with Governor Kathy Hochul’s broader efforts to expand access to high-quality, affordable child care, including the State’s recent $110 million investment to build and improve childcare facilities statewide.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Childcare is essential to New York’s workforce and economic future. Investing in childcare facilities means investing in the productivity and stability of New York's workforce. This expansion demonstrates how strategic investments can support working parents, strengthen neighborhoods, and help children learn and grow close to home.”
The completed project enhances the building’s functionality and childcare services by renovating existing space to accommodate an additional 100 childcare slots, helping meet significant demand in an area designated as a childcare desert. Improvements include upgraded flooring and handrails, improved ventilation and lighting, new bathrooms and child-height fixtures, expanded group-activity and meeting spaces, and additional storage and staff areas. The facility incorporates green-building features designed to improve air quality and energy efficiency, promoting a healthier environment for young children and staff.
The project created approximately 60 construction jobs and 20 permanent positions, including teachers, assistants, and support staff.
New York City Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Co-Chairs Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, Chancellor of the City University of New York, and William D. Rahm, CEO of Everview Partners, said, “Expanding the capacity of local childcare providers ensures that parents can remain engaged in their careers while their children thrive in safe, enriching environments. This project is a tangible example of how targeted state investment can deliver real benefits for families and the local economy.”
Executive Director of Tiny Tots C. Horowitz said, “We can see that our newly renovated childcare center has already enhanced children's learning development because we have created a more stimulating and comfortable learning environment with better lighting and ventilation. We have also secured updated equipment, an outdoor play area specially designed classrooms.”
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
Building on Statewide Child Care Investments
Governor Hochul recently announced the launch of New York State’s latest capital funding initiatives to build, modernize, and expand childcare facilities—supporting providers, working families, and local economies. In addition, the State has opened the application period for the Child Care Capital Program, which offers resources and guidance for providers seeking to expand capacity. More information is available through the Office of Children and Family Services at ocfs.ny.gov.
About Tiny Tots Learning Center
Tiny Tots Learning Center is a childcare provider located in the Borough Park area of Brooklyn. With this renovation and expansion, the organization will significantly increase its capacity and enhance its facilities to meet the growing demand for quality childcare services in the community.
Contact:
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313