Child Care Services Home Page

Skip to Content

Accessible Navigation and Information

Use the following links to quickly navigate around the page. The number for each is also the shortcut key. You can jump to:

1 Accessible Navigation and Information 2 NYS Header 3 Main Menu 4 Local Navigation 5 Notices 6 Breadcrumb Menu 7 Content 8 Footer Menu 9 NYS Footer

You are on this page: Child Care Services Home Page

Attention Parents

Don’t miss out on the Child Tax Credit. Families who earn up to $440,000 per year are eligible.

Families who

  • filed tax returns in 2019 or 2020 but did not give the IRS direct deposit information,
    and
  • did not file tax returns in either 2019 or 2020

must apply for the credit to which they are entitled.

Sign up for your Child Tax Credit at the Internal Revenue Service web portal.

Spanish / Español

Atención padres

No pierdan la oportunidad de solicitar el Crédito Tributario por Hijos (Child Tax Credit). Las familias que ganan hasta $440,000 al año son elegibles.

Las familias que

  • presentaron declaraciones de impuestos en 2019 o 2020 pero no proporcionaron al Servicio de Impuestos Internos (IRS) información de depósito directo,
    y
  • no presentaron declaraciones de impuestos ni en 2019 ni en 2020 deben inscribirse para recibir los pagos a los que tienen derecho.

Regístrese para obtener su Crédito Tributario por Hijos en el portal web del Servicio de Impuestos Internos: Pagos por adelantado del Crédito tributario por hijos en 2021 | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov).

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services provides a range of resources to help parents with their child care needs, people who want to start or are currently running child care programs, and anyone with a concern about the health or safety of a child in a day care program.

Updates and Important Announcements

Self-Reported Child Care COVID Cases for the week ending December 3, 2021 December 3, 2021  

The following are self-reported COVID-19 numbers for child care facilities. These numbers reflect weekly COVID-positive information dating from December 2020.

Child Care Stabilization Grant Weekly Dashboard Update November 29, 2021  
Information on a webinar on the topic of Child Care Stabilization Grant: Impact to Benefits November 24, 2021  
Letter to Providers: Important New Information on Predatory Businesses targeting Child Care Providers/Stabilization Grant Funds November 1, 2021  

This letter contains important new information on predatory businesses targeting child care provider Stabilization grant funds.

Esta carta contiene nueva información importante sobre negocios depredadores que se enfocan en fondos de la subvención de estabilización para proveedores de cuidado infantil.

US Consumer Product Safety Commission Recall: Original Newborn Loungers, Boppy Preferred Newborn Loungers and Pottery Barn Kids Boppy Newborn Loungers September 23, 2021  

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall on the Boppy Company Original Newborn Loungers, Boppy Preferred Newborn Loungers and Pottery Barn Kids Boppy Newborn Loungers after the death of eight infants and suffocation risk.

Making Masks Fun: Helping Your Child Wear a Face Mask September 21, 2021  

En Español

Letter to Providers: Emergency Face Covering Regulation September 16, 2021  

This letter contains important health and safety updates for your child care program. Please read this information carefully as it contains information on a new emergency regulation regarding mandatory masking in child care settings. Thank you.

Esta carta contiene actualizaciones importantes de salud y seguridad para su programa de cuidado infantil. Lea esta información detenidamente, ya que contiene información sobre un nuevo reglamento de emergencia con respecto al uso obligatorio de mascarillas o barbijos en los entornos de cuidado infantil. Gracias.

Child Care Market Rate Survey Begins September 8, 2021  

The 2021 Market Rate Survey of Day Care providers is now underway. From September through December 2021, day care providers may be called to participate in a short telephone survey about the prices they charge parents for providing care. This is an important survey that is used by OCFS to set payment rates for the Child Care Subsidy Program. If you receive a call, please consider participating in this very important survey! To those providers who participate, THANK YOU!

Elijah's Law August 19, 2021  

In 2019, the Governor signed new legislation called “Elijah’s Law”. The law is named after 3-year-old Elijah Silvera from New York City who was given a grilled cheese sandwich while at day care despite having a known severe dairy allergy. After Elijah went into anaphylaxis, his family was not told what he had eaten and 911 was not called. Elijah died in November 2017. Implementation of Elijah’s Law requires changes to your child care program, valuable, potentially life-saving changes, that are intended to prevent further tragedy.

As a child care professional, you play a critical role in protecting the health and safety of the children in your program. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 13 children is impacted by allergies. Allergies have the potential to create a life-threatening situation. Anaphylaxis must be treated right away. By gaining knowledge about allergies, prevention of anaphylaxis, and what action is to be taken during a medical emergency, child care providers can save lives.

See the Elijah's Law page for more information.

Child Care Stabilization Grants Are Here August 3, 2021  

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is accepting applications for the Child Care Stabilization Grant made available through the federal American Rescue Plan Act and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act. The Child Care Stabilization Grant represents an unprecedented opportunity and investment to effectively stabilize the child care sector.

Essential Worker Scholarship Update July 30, 2021  

The Office of Children and Family Services has been honored to administer the Essential Worker Scholarship grant opportunity to support the brave working families who've served throughout the pandemic. Due to the enthusiastic response of applications submitted through our portal, we've reached our funding ceiling and will no longer be able to accept new applications. OCFS is grateful for the response to this initiative and is pleased to be providing scholarships to almost 36,000 children over a 12-week period. Thank you, Essential Workers, for your service to our state!

La Oficina de Servicios para Niños y Familias (OCFS) ha tenido el honor de administrar la subvención de Becas para Trabajadores Esenciales (Essential Worker Scholarship) para apoyar a las familias que con valentía prestaron servicios durante la pandemia. Debido a la entusiasta respuesta a las solicitudes presentadas a través de nuestro portal, hemos alcanzado nuestro límite de financiación y no aceptaremos nuevas solicitudes. OCFS agradece la respuesta a esta iniciativa y está complacida en ofrecer becas a casi 36,000 niños en un período de 12 semanas. ¡Gracias, trabajadores esenciales, por su servicios a nuestro estado!

COVID 19 Guidance Updates June 28, 2021  

Dear Provider:
This letter is to inform you that effective immediately there are important changes to the COVID-19 related requirements for child care programs. Please read this information carefully. If you have any questions, please reach out to your regulator.
Thank you!

Estimado(a) proveedor(a),
Esta carta es para informarle que con vigencia inmediata hay cambios importantes en los requisitos relacionados con COVID-19 para los programas de cuidado infantil. Lea esta información detenidamente. Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con su regulador.
Gracias!

Executive Orders for COVID Emergency End June 24, 2021  

When the state of emergency ends in New York State today, all child care related Executive Orders (EOs) will no longer be in effect.

US Consumer Product Safety Commission Recall: Fisher-Price baby Glide Soothers June 7, 2021  

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall on the Fisher-Price baby Glide Soothers after the death of four infants.

NYS OCFS & DOH Joint Statement on Revised Mask Guidance for Child Care Programs May 25, 2021  

We thank the providers who have worked so hard since the start of the pandemic to remain open to serve the families of those who could not stay home and we recognize their valiant efforts in serving working families who need quality, reliable and safe child care.

New York State Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Plan Public Hearings May 17, 2021  

Public Hearings

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Division of Child Care Services is in the preliminary phase of developing its next CCDF State Plan and is seeking input from the public, local departments of social services, CCDF Tribal Grantees and other stakeholders. The comments and any other feedback received will be considered in development of the State Plan and in future policies for the child care subsidy program and quality improvement activities.

Get information on the public hearings.

Draft Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Plan for FFY 2022-24 Now Available May 14, 2021  

The Draft Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Plan for FFY 2022-24 for the New York State Office and Children and Family Services is now available.

Final Report of the Child Care Availability Task Force May 4, 2021  

Final Report of the Child Care Availability Task Force
Supporting Families, Employers & New York's Future: An Action Plan for a Strong and Equitable Child Care System

Update to Health Advisory: Quarantine for Community Persons Exposed to COVID-19 April 22, 2021  

Update to Health Advisory: Quarantine for Community Persons Exposed to COVID-19

Letter to Providers - Updated Travel Guidance April 1, 2021  

Dear Provider,
Today, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) updated its COVID-19 Travel Advisory. All New Yorkers must adhere to the travel guidelines, attached hereto, and available on the NYS DOH website. Please review the information contained in these important guidance documents.

Learning about the COVID-19 Vaccine: Basics and More (Presentation) March 23, 2021  

Child care providers and programs wishing to be up to date on information about current COVID-19 vaccines can now access a new informational resource. This PowerPoint presentation contains information and answers to many of your most frequent questions.

Dear Provider Letters - Elijah's Law & Anaphylaxis Policy for Child Day Programs March 15, 2021  

This policy sets guidelines to be followed by child day care programs for both the prevention of anaphylaxis and during an anaphylaxis emergency.

Dear Provider Letter - Comprehensive Background Check Schedule and Requirements February 22, 2021  

This Dear Provider Letter provides guidance on an updated schedule for completion of Comprehensive Background Check requirements. As you are aware, new federally mandated background check requirements were enacted in late 2019; however, the COVID-19 pandemic caused interruption in the ability to schedule fingerprinting appointments in 2020. The guidance in this letter outlines the expectations for completion of these requirements for those that were impacted during this specified timeframe in 2020.
February 22, 2021 Letter Word | February 22, 2021 Letter PDF - English
February 22, 2021 Letter Spanish Word | February 22, 2021 Letter Spanish PDF - Spanish / Español

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information

The Coronavirus information related to Child Care programs now has its own page: ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/COVID-19

Child Care News

Virtual Focus Groups to Hear from NYS Parents about Their Experiences with Children’s Programs and Services The NYS Council on Children and Families and the Center for Human Services Research are partnering to offer virtual focus groups to hear from NYS parents about their experiences with child care, Head Start, home visiting and early childhood programs and services.
Department of Health and Office of Children and Family Services Issue Emergency Regulations to Strengthen Medical Exemption Process for School Vaccinations Emergency Regulations will Prevent Medical Exemptions from Being Used for Non-Medical Purposes.
New York State Office of Children and Family Services to Donate 22,000 Pack ‘n Play Cribs to Child Care Providers to Promote Safe Sleep for Babies Legally-exempt, family child care, and group family child care programs across New York State are each eligible for one crib. The safe sleep Pack ‘n Plays are being given free of charge.

Scam Alerts

Fraud protection

English

OCFS has fraud controls in place to make sure promised benefits go to families who qualify, legitimately need and deserve these critical funds.

If you believe that you are the victim of identity theft or a scam, please report it to your local police department.

For tips to protect identity theft, please visit: https://www.identitytheft.gov/ .

Español

La Oficina de Servicios para Niños y Familias cuenta con controles de fraude para asegurarse de que los beneficios prometidos lleguen a las familias que califican, las que necesitan legítimamente y merecen estos fondos críticos.

Si cree que es víctima de un robo de identidad o una estafa, por favor informe a su departamento de policía local.

Para obtener consejos para proteger el robo de identidad, visite: https://www.identitytheft.gov/

Scammers trying to confirm sensitive information

English

OCFS continues to receive reports that child care programs are being contacted by individuals falsely representing themselves as employees of the Office of Children and Family Services and/or the Department of Health.

These individuals tell providers the purpose of the call is to confirm COVID case information or schedule an inspection of the program. The individual asks the provider for sensitive information – including Social Security number. As a reminder, please do NOT share personal information with anyone other than your program regulator.

Español

¡ADVERTENCIA DE FRAUDE!

La Oficina de Servicios para Niños y Familias (OCFS) continúa recibiendo informes de que programas de cuidado infantil están siendo contactados por individuos que falsamente se representan como empleados de la OCFS y/o del Departamento de Salud.

Estos individuos dicen que el propósito de su llamada es confirmar información relacionada a casos de COVID o programar una inspección del programa. El individuo solicita información privada del proveedor, incluido el número del Seguro Social. Como recordatorio, por favor NO comparta información personal con ninguna persona que no sea el regulador de su programa.

Scammers claiming to provide COVID vaccine registrations

English

OCFS has learned that child care programs are being contacted by individuals falsely representing themselves as employees of OCFS and/or the Department of Health. These individuals give the child care provider the name of their licensor/registrar and tell them the purpose of the call is to arrange a vaccine appointment for them. The individual gives the child care provider a “password” such as this: 2010-I-LIRO 0145 for them to use to obtain the vaccine. The individual asks the child care provider for personal information to get them on a vaccination list, and in some instances, are threatening to shut the child care program down if they opt not to take the vaccine. Some scammers are offering free supplies to providers, reference the regulations, and mention the program’s regulator by name. The scammers speak Spanish and English.

OCFS and DOH are NOT calling child care programs to schedule vaccinations, or give out free supplies. PLEASE DO NOT SHARE PERSONAL INFORMATION! If you have any questions about your child care program, please contact your regulator directly.

Español

¡NUEVA INFORMACIÓN SOBRE ESTAFADORES!

La Oficina de Servicios para Niños y Familias (OCFS por sus siglas en inglés) se ha enterado que programas de cuidado infantil están siendo contactados por individuos que pretenden representar a empleados de la OCFS y/o del Departamento de Salud (DOH por sus siglas en inglés). Estos individuos proporcionan al proveedor de cuidado infantil el nombre de su licenciante/registrador y le informan que el propósito de la llamada es coordinar una cita para vacunarse contra el COVID-19. El individuo proporciona al proveedor de cuidado infantil una contraseña o “password” similar a la siguiente: 2010-I-LIRO 0145 para que el proveedor la use para obtener la vacuna. El individuo solicita información personal del proveedor de cuidado infantil para añadirlos a la lista de vacunación, y en algunos casos les amenazan con cerrar el programa de cuidado infantil si optan por no registrarse para la vacuna. Algunos estafadores están ofreciendo suministros gratuitos a los proveedores, hacen referencia a regulaciones y mencionan el nombre del regulador del programa. Los estafadores hablan español y inglés.

OCFS y DOH NO están llamando a programas de cuidado infantil para programar vacunaciones o para ofrecer suministros gratuitos. POR FAVOR NO COMPARTA INFORMACION PESONAL. Si tiene preguntas sobre su programa de cuidado infantil por favor contacte a su regulador directament.

Phishing targets CARES grantees

English

OCFS has been notified that child care providers are being contacted by a group saying they are a third party entity working with the CCR&R/Child Care Council on the CARES grants. THIS IS NOT ACCURATE!

DO NOT SHARE INFORMATION WITH ANYONE OTHER THAN YOUR CCR&R OR OCFS REGARDING CARES GRANT AWARDS. This "third party entity" will have your program name, address and license number and then ask for details such as social security number and bank information, so they may seem legitimate. Remember that your program information and license number are public information listed on the OCFS website.

OCFS and the CCR&R will not ask for sensitive information such as your banking information over the phone. If you have any concerns or questions about who is contacting you, please do not give out information. Contact the agency facilitating your reimbursement claim for assistance.

Report fraud: 1-800-HHS-TIPS or online

Español

¡ADVERTENCIA DE FRAUDE!

Se nos ha notificado que proveedores de cuidado infantil están siendo contactados por un grupo informándoles que son una entidad de terceros que está trabajando con los CCR&R y el Child Care Council en subvenciones de CARES. ¡ESTO NO ES CIERTO!

NO COMPARTA INFORMACIÓN CON NINGUNA OTRA ENTIDAD QUE NO SEA SU CCR&R O LA OFICINA DE SERVICIOS PARA NIÑOS Y FAMILIAS (OCFS) CON RESPECTO A LA SUBVENCIÓN DE CARES 2.

Esta “entidad de terceros” tendrá el nombre de su programa, la dirección y el número de licencia, y luego le pedirá detalles tales como su número de Seguro Social e información bancaria, de manera que aparenten ser legítimos. Recuerde que la información de su programa y el número de su licencia es información pública listada en el sitio web de la OCFS.

La OCFS y los CCR&R no le pedirán información confidencial tal como información bancaria por el teléfono. Si tiene alguna preocupación o preguntas acerca de quién le ha contactado, por favor no proporcione información. Póngase en contacto con la agencia que está facilitando su solicitud de reembolso por asistencia.

Denuncie Fraude: 1-800-HHS-TIPS o enlinea

QUALITYstarsNY

Quality Stars

QUALITYstarsNY is New York State's quality rating and improvement system. It is a voluntary program to rate, improve and communicate levels of quality in all regulated early care and learning programs. Read more about the important QUALITYstarsNY initiative.

[top]