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Scam Alert
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
- En Español
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¡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
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.
Contents

Keep up to date on
Current COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information.
Also see below for provider specific information.
Updates and Important Announcements
- Update Guidance for The New York State COVID-19 Vaccination Program
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New vaccine guidance has been issued for Facilities and for OASAS / OCFS / OMH / OTDA.
See the COVID-19 Guidance page for more information.
- Dear Provider Letter — New Vaccine Guidance for Child Care Providers
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Dear Provider Letter - January 11, 2021 - New Vaccine Guidance for Child Care Providers
This Dear Provider letter provides guidance to child care programs regarding the State's vaccination plan. Prioritized populations now include: owners, operators and staff of OCFS licensed and registered child care programs; providers and staff of New York City based child care programs under article 43 and article 47 of the city health code (identified as "approved child care"); and providers and staff of Legally Exempt Group Child Care programs. Please read this information carefully, and review the Department of Health's website for detailed information.
January 11, 2021 Letter Word | January 11, 2021 Letter PDF - English
January 11, 2021 Letter Spanish Word | January 11, 2021 Letter Spanish PDF - Spanish / Español - NY CARES2 Award Reimbursement Information
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All requests for reimbursement should be submitted by completing and submitting the OCFS-5453 New York Forward COVID Reimbursement Request Form.
See the NY CARES program page for forms and more information.
Important Deadlines
- Provider budget modifications should be submitted to OCFS at ocfs.sm.CARES2LR@ocfs.ny.gov 12/15/2020
- Provider receipts may be submitted to the CCR&R up to 12/31/2020. see the Reimbursement Instructions for details.
See the CARES 2 Reimbursement Instructions & Allowable/Non-Allowable Expense chart for more information.
- Updated Travel Restriction Guidance for Child Care Programs
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There is updated travel guidance for child care workers in the Guidance Documents section.
- Interim Guidance on COVID-19 Test-Out for Public and Non-Public Schools Located in Areas Designated as “Red or Orange Micro-Cluster Zones” Under the New York State Micro-Cluster Action Initiative
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Under the authority of Executive Order 202.68, schools in red and orange zones must close in-person instruction for at least two weeks. On October 30, 2020, Governor Cuomo announced strict health guidelines, as detailed herein, for schools to reopen in red and orange cluster zones during this time in order to help keep schools in focus areas safely open to in person instruction. The guidelines require mass testing in schools before they reopen followed by intensive symptom and exposure screening conducted daily, as well as surveillance testing of 25% of the in-person student and faculty/staff weekly. New York State will provide rapid test kits upon request for schools wishing to participate.
- CARES3 Grant Applications and Instructions for Child Care Programs
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CARES 3 Reopening/Restructuring for Remote Learning and Temporary Operating Grant
These applications are for grants available throughout New York State from the federal CARES Act funding related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant opportunities are to assist reopening and expansion of capacity in child care programs by providing for supplies associated with reopening and expansion.
For more information, see the CARES 3 Reopening/Restructuring for Remote Learning and Temporary Operating Grant page.
For technical assistance and support with CARES 3 applications in English and Spanish please call the OCFS Human Services Call Center toll free at: 1-844-863-9316. Representatives are available to assist you.
October 29, 2020 - Now Available: Child Care Scholarships for Essential Workers
- Guidance for Child Care Programs Located in Schools That are in COVID Red, Orange or Yellow Zones
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In response to concerns about increases in COVID-19 cases appearing in clusters within communities and regions of New York, Executive Order 202.68 mandated the New York State Department of Health (DOH) determine the areas of the State that require enhanced public health restrictions due to a cluster or clusters of COVID-19 cases. Once identified, DOH will classify the area based on the risk for compromising the States containment of the COVID-19 virus. Severe risk is identified as a “red zone”; moderate risk is identified as an “orange zone”; and precautionary risk is identified as a “yellow zone”.
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Guidance for Child Care Programs Located in Schools That are in COVID Red, Orange or Yellow Zones
English: October 19 school-based programs memo Word | October 19 school-based programs memo PDF
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Guidance for Child Care Programs Located in Schools That are in COVID Red, Orange or Yellow Zones
- Dear Provider Letter — Legally-Exempt Group Programs in Schools in Red and Orange Zones
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Dear Provider Letter - October 16, 2020 - Legally-Exempt Group Programs in Schools in Red and Orange Zones
This letter serves to inform legally-exempt (LE) child care programs located in a school that has been closed pursuant to Executive Order 202.68 of the impact that such order has on the ability to operate and eligibility for payment of child care subsidies.
October 16, 2020 Letter Word | October 16, 2020 Letter PDF - English -
Policy 20-02: When Does Remote Learning Require a Child Care License or Registration?
Register Here: Remote Learning for Single-Purpose Program Notification Form -
Policy 20-02 has been issued to provide guidance on whether a remote learning configuration is exempt from New York State Office of Children and Family Services child care licensure or registration. This policy statement can be found on the Child Care Policy page.
Remote Learning for Single-Purpose Program Notification Form
Programs intending to serve children under the single-purpose program exemption are requested to notify OCFS of the program including the location, number of children served daily and a point of contact including phone and email address, which must be completed on the online form.
- Weekly Survey on Child Care Program Enrollment
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OCFS is collecting information from licensed and registered child care providers to find out how many children are attending child care as New York reopens. All open and operating child care programs are asked to complete this survey every Wednesday.
If you are receiving a CARES2 Child Care Expansion Incentive, completing this form each week will satisfy the enrollment reporting requirement.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information
As you are aware, a coronavirus called 2019 Novel (new) Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was first found in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. This virus had not previously been detected in humans. It can lead to fever, cough and trouble breathing or shortness of breath. There are thousands of diagnosed cases in China and cases being diagnosed in other countries including the United States. And, the virus has been confirmed in New York State.
- Child Care Subsidy Information
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Child Care Subsidy Information in Regard to COVID-19
Effective immediately, local social services districts can expand the child care services they provide to families affected by the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. Districts may select from the following options:
- extend the eligibility period,
- expand the definition of a child needing protective services,
- expand the number of allowable absences,
- expand the number of program closures,
- extend eligibility up to 85% of the state median income level,
- waive family shares, and
- make other requests related to eligibility and/or administration of the child care subsidy program.
To obtain a current waiver request form, local social services districts should contact the OCFS Subsidy Unit at ocfs.sm.districtsupport.subsidy@ocfs.ny.gov.
- Dear Provider Letters
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Dear Provider Letters Regarding COVID-19
- Dear Provider Letter - January 11, 2021 - New Vaccine Guidance for Child Care Providers
This Dear Provider letter provides guidance to child care programs regarding the State's vaccination plan. Prioritized populations now include: owners, operators and staff of OCFS licensed and registered child care programs; providers and staff of New York City based child care programs under article 43 and article 47 of the city health code (identified as "approved child care"); and providers and staff of Legally Exempt Group Child Care programs. Please read this information carefully, and review the Department of Health's website for detailed information.
January 11, 2021 Letter Word | January 11, 2021 Letter PDF - English
January 11, 2021 Letter Spanish Word | January 11, 2021 Letter Spanish PDF - Spanish / Español - Dear Provider Letter - October 16, 2020 - Legally-Exempt Group Programs in Schools in Red and Orange Zones
This letter serves to inform legally-exempt (LE) child care programs located in a school that has been closed pursuant to Executive Order 202.68 of the impact that such order has on the ability to operate and eligibility for payment of child care subsidies.
October 16, 2020 Letter Word | October 16, 2020 Letter PDF - English - Dear Provider Letter - September 2, 2020 - Remote Learning
As we enter the seventh month of the COVID-19 emergency, OCFS acknowledges the efforts of our child care community during this very difficult time. September begins a new school year, a school year that will look very different than any previous year. Changes such as remote learning, virtual learning or a hybrid model lead to situations that have never been contemplated, and child care providers are being called upon to serve children and families in new ways, including caring for children during remote learning time.
September 2, 2020 Letter Word | September 2, 2020 Letter PDF - English
September 2, 2020 Letter Spanish Word | September 2, 2020 Letter Spanish PDF - Spanish / Español - Dear Provider Letter - May 5, 2020 - Provider and Parent Resources
OCFS is sharing this information to highlight the importance of family engagement, provide some helpful ideas on how to maintain connections with the children and families you serve, and help you identify ways to support families and help connect them to the resources available in your local community.
May 5, 2020 Letter Word - English
May 5th Letter - Spanish Word | May 5th Letter - Spanish PDF - Spanish - Dear Provider Letter - March 11th Corona Virus Update
March 11, 2020 Letter Word | March 11, 2020 Letter PDF - English
March 11, 2020 Letter - Chinese, simplified Word | March 11, 2020 Letter - Chinese, simplified PDF - Chinese, simplified
March 11, 2020 Letter - Chinese, traditional Word | March 11, 2020 Letter - Chinese, traditional PDF - Chinese, traditional
March 11, 2020 Letter - Spanish Word | March 11, 2020 Letter - Spanish PDF - Spanish / Español
- Coronavirus Facility Information Sign
- Coronavirus Facility Information Sign (Bengali)
- Coronavirus Facility Information Sign (Chinese, simplified)
- Coronavirus Facility Information Sign (Chinese, traditional)
- Coronavirus Facility Information Sign (Haitian Creole)
- Coronavirus Facility Information Sign (Korean)
- Coronavirus Facility Information Sign (Polish)
- Coronavirus Facility Information Sign (Russian)
- Coronavirus Facility Information Sign (Spanish / Español)
- Coronavirus Facility Information Sign (Urdu)
- Dear Provider Letter - Corona Virus Update - March 5, 2020
Word document for March 5, 2020 Letter | PDF document for March 5, 2020 Letter - English
Word document for March 5, 2020 Letter - Spanish | PDF document for March 5, 2020 Letter - Spanish - Spanish / Español
March 5, 2020 Letter - Chinese, simplified Word | March 5, 2020 Letter - Chinese, simplified PDF - Chinese, simplified
March 5, 2020 Letter - Chinese, traditional Word | March 5, 2020 Letter - Chinese, traditional PDF - Chinese, traditional - Dear Provider Letter - Corona Virus information - February 6, 2020
Word document for February 2020 Letter | PDF document for February 2020 Letter - English
Word document for February 2020 Letter - Chinese, simplified | PDF document for February 2020 Letter - Chinese, simplified - Chinese, simplified
Word document for February 2020 Letter - Chinese, traditional | PDF document for February 2020 Letter - Chinese, traditional - Chinese, traditional
Word document for February 2020 Letter - Spanish | PDF document for February 2020 Letter - Spanish - Spanish / Español
- Dear Provider Letter - January 11, 2021 - New Vaccine Guidance for Child Care Providers
- Frequently Asked Questions
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COVID-19 FAQ for Local Districts
OCFS has been receiving questions from local social services districts regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the administration of the child care subsidy program. This FAQ for Local Districts provides answers to some of the frequently asked questions.
COVID-19 FAQ for Day Care Providers
As part of our commitment to sharing information with child care programs regarding the challenges they are experiencing related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), OCFS has compiled answers to questions we have been receiving from the child care community.
- Day Care Providers FAQ - March 23 update
English: Day Care Providers FAQ - March 23 - Word
Español/Spanish: Day Care Providers FAQ - Spanish - March 23 - Word - Day Care Providers FAQ - Spanish - March 23 - PDF
中文/Chinese, simplified: Day Care Providers FAQ - simplified Chinese - March 23 - Word - Day Care Providers FAQ - simplified Chinese - March 23 - PDF
中文/Chinese, traditional: Day Care Providers FAQ - traditional Chinese - March 23 - Word - Day Care Providers FAQ - traditional Chinese - March 23 - PDF
- Day Care Providers FAQ - March 23 update
- Guidance Documents
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Travel Restriction Guidance for Child Care Programs
This updates the previously issued guidance from OCFS reflective of the new Interim Guidance for Quarantine Restrictions on Travelers Arriving in New York State Following Out of State Travel. Updates include: New testing and quarantine criteria for travelers to New York from non-contiguous states and other countries.
In response to increased rates of COVID-19 transmission in certain states and countries, and to protect New York’s successful containment of COVID-19, New York State has issued a travel advisory for anyone coming to New York after travel to states that are not contiguous to New York, or after travel to any CDC Level 2 or Level 3 Travel Health Notice country.
- Travel Restriction Guidance for Child Care Programs
English: November 17 child care travel memo PDF
Español/Spanish: November 17 Spanish travel memo PDF
Interim Guidance on COVID-19 Test-Out for Public and Non-Public Schools Located in Areas Designated as “Red or Orange Micro-Cluster Zones” Under the New York State Micro-Cluster Action Initiative
Under the authority of Executive Order 202.68, schools in red and orange zones must close in-person instruction for at least two weeks. On October 30, 2020, Governor Cuomo announced strict health guidelines, as detailed herein, for schools to reopen in red and orange cluster zones during this time in order to help keep schools in focus areas safely open to in person instruction. The guidelines require mass testing in schools before they reopen followed by intensive symptom and exposure screening conducted daily, as well as surveillance testing of 25% of the in-person student and faculty/staff weekly. New York State will provide rapid test kits upon request for schools wishing to participate.
Guidance for Child Care Programs Located in Schools That are in COVID Red, Orange or Yellow Zones
In response to concerns about increases in COVID-19 cases appearing in clusters within communities and regions of New York, Executive Order 202.68 mandated the New York State Department of Health (DOH) determine the areas of the State that require enhanced public health restrictions due to a cluster or clusters of COVID-19 cases. Once identified, DOH will classify the area based on the risk for compromising the States containment of the COVID-19 virus. Severe risk is identified as a “red zone”; moderate risk is identified as an “orange zone”; and precautionary risk is identified as a “yellow zone”.
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Guidance for Child Care Programs Located in Schools That are in COVID Red, Orange or Yellow Zones
English: October 19 school-based programs memo Word | October 19 school-based programs memo PDF
New CDC Supplemental Guidance on Child Care
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has posted a Supplemental Guide for Child Care. Written in collaboration with the Offices of Child Care and Head Start for a variety of child care settings, this resource provides guidance specific to child care on issues such as:
- Social distancing;
- Child pick up and drop off procedures;
- Cleaning and disinfecting of toys and bedding;
- Safely caring for infants and toddlers; and
- Food preparation and meal service
In addition, the Guidance document provides numerous links to resources that provide even greater detail, including information regarding children’s risks concerning the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Interim Guidance for Child Care and Day Camp Programs
The DOH interim guidance for child care and day care camp programs during the COVID-19 public health emergency has been updated to read:
- Responsible Parties must limit groups to 15 or fewer children/campers, excluding employees/staff, in a specific area (e.g. room) at any given time.
- Responsible Parties must ensure that different stable groups of up to 15 children/campers have no or minimal contact with one another or utilize common spaces at the same time, to the greatest extent possible.
Note: child care programs are still required to follow the staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes as set forth in regulation.
- Guidance for Child Care and Day Camp Programs
Available in English Guidance for Day Camp Programs | Bengali Guidance for Day Camp Programs | Chinese, traditional Guidance for Day Camp Programs | Haitian Creole Guidance for Day Camp Programs | Korean Guidance for Day Camp Programs | Russian Guidance for Day Camp Programs | Spanish Guidance for Day Camp Programs - Summary of Guidance for Child Care and Day Camp Programs
- Business Reopening Safety Plan Template
Related Forms
- LDSS-4443 - Child Care Attendance Sheet
- OCFS-6039 - Child Care Program Tracker
- OCFS-6040 - Child Care Employee, Volunteer, Parent, Child and Essential Visitors Health Screening One-Time Attestation
Updated Interim Testing Guidance: Protocol for COVID-19 testing with prioritization by job title/role
Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) continues to monitor the situation and work to expand COVID-19 diagnostic and serologic testing for New Yorkers. The attached document broadens the circumstances in which essential workers may request a COVID test by contacting the state’s COVID 19 testing hotline.
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Updated Interim Testing Guidance: Protocol for COVID-19 testing with prioritization by job title/role
English: April 26 Updated Testing Guidance PDF
বাংলা/Bengali: PDF April 26 Bengali Updated Testing Guidance
中文/Chinese, traditional: PDF April 26 Chinese (traditional) Updated Testing Guidance
Kreyòl Ayisyen/Haitian Creole: PDF April 26 Haitian Creole Updated Testing Guidance
한국어/Korean: PDF April 26 Korean Updated Testing Guidance
Pусский/Russian: PDF April 26 Russian Updated Testing Guidance
Español/Spanish: PDF April 26 Spanish Updated Testing Guidance
Use of Cloth Masks in Public
Dear Provider:
On April 12, 2020, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo issued Executive Order 202.16. This order directs the use of face coverings by employees interacting with customers or members of the public. Specifically, for all essential businesses or entities, any employees who are present in the workplace shall be provided and shall wear face coverings when in direct interaction with customers or members of the public. Businesses must provide, at their expense, such face coverings for their employees. Child care programs are an essential business and therefore must comply with this directive.
Per the attached guidance, direct interaction “shall include any employee who is routinely within close contact (i.e. six feet or less) with members of the public, including but not limited to customers or clients”.
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Memorandum on Executive Order 202.16
English: PDF EO 202.16 Memo - April 14 -
Interim Guidance on Executive Order 202.16 Requiring Face Coverings in Public During the COVID-19 Outbreak
English: PDF Masks and Public Interaction - April 14
Effective at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2020 any individual who is over age two and able to medically tolerate a face-covering shall be required to cover their nose and mouth with a mask or cloth face-covering when in a public place and unable to maintain, or when not maintaining, social distance.
Interim Guidance on Executive Order 202.17 and 202.18 Requiring Face Coverings in Public During the COVID-19 Outbreak
- English: Word Masks and Public Interaction - April 17 | PDF Masks and Public Interaction - April 17
- বাংলা/Bengali: PDF Masks and Public Interaction - Bengali - April 17
- 中文/Chinese, Traditional: PDF Masks and Public Interaction - Chinese, traditional - April 17
- Kreyòl Ayisyen/Haitian Creole: PDF Masks and Public Interaction - Haitian Creole - April 17
- 한국어/Korean: PDF Masks and Public Interaction - Korean - April 17
- Pусский/Russian: PDF Masks and Public Interaction - Russian - April 17
- Español/Spanish: PDF Masks and Public Interaction - Spanish - April 17
Please continue to check OCFS website for updates/additional information on COVID response resources.
Legally-Exempt Informal Child Care Guidance
In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency and pursuant to Executive Order 202.5, issued by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on March 18, 2020, the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) has been granted the authority to waive certain background checks. This waiver allows legally exempt informal child care providers to enroll without completing the comprehensive background check process, subject to the certain conditions.
Legally-Exempt Informal Child Care Guidance: May 18 CC Guidance PDF
20-OCFS-INF-09 - COVID-19 Guidance to Child Care Providers
The purpose of this Informational Letter (INF) is to reiterate certain important information for child care providers necessary for them to continue operations during the current public health emergency.
Interim Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfection for Congregate Settings for COVID-19
The Interim Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfection directions are available as Word document for March 6, 2020 interim guidance and PDF document for March 6, 2020 interim guidance.
Guidance Regarding the Use of Cloth Face Coverings
New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) continues to study and respond to the spread and effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes the COVID-19 disease.
Memo: Use of N95 Masks
- English: Word N95 Masks - April 8
Guidance: Use of N95 and Cloth Masks
- English: PDF Cloth Masks - April 8
- বাংলা/Bengali: PDF Cloth Masks - Bengali - April 8
- 中文/Chinese, traditional: PDF Cloth Masks - Chinese, traditional - April 8
- Kreyòl Ayisyen/Haitian Creole: PDF Cloth Masks - Haitian Creole - April 8
- 한국어/Korean: PDF Cloth Masks - Korean - April 8
- Pусский/Russian: PDF Cloth Masks - Russian - April 8
- Español/Spanish: PDF Cloth Masks - Spanish - April 8
20-OCFS-INF-08 - COVID-19 Guidance for Child Care Providers
The purpose of this Informational Letter (INF) is to reiterate certain important information for child care providers necessary for them to continue operations during the current public health emergency.
Download 20-OCFS-INF-08.
Download related forms:
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OCFS-6050 - Emergency Reservation Form
English: Word OCFS-6050
Español: Word OCFS-6050-S | PDF OCFS-6050-S -
OCFS-6051 - Emergency Employment Attestation for Adults
English: Word OCFS-6051
Español: Word OCFS-6051-S | PDF OCFS-6051-S
- Travel Restriction Guidance for Child Care Programs
- Resources for Parents
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Survey on Child Care Program Openings
The program openings survey will no longer be active after July 1, 2020. See above for information on the new enrollment survey.
OCFS is collecting information from licensed and registered child care providers to find out whether they have openings in their child care program, and if they have the capacity and desire to serve more children than their established capacity. Providers who have slots available in their program are asked to complete this survey every Wednesday. OCFS will share this information with stakeholders including the local child care resource and referral agencies to help connect parents in need of child care with available slots in their community.
Parent Need for Care Survey
The parent need for care survey will no longer be active after July 10, 2020.
If you are a parent or caregiver who needs child care, please complete this parent need for child care survey. Based on the information you provide about your job, employer, number of children, and financial need, OCFS may be able to help you find the child program you need. It may be a challenge to find child care due to COVID-19 related program closures, however the staff at OCFS are trying their best to support families to find the high quality child care that they need.
National Diaper Bank for Parents to Access Diapers During this Challenging Time
If you or someone you know needs diapers, there may be assistance in your community.
To find out if an agency in your area provides diaper assistance to families in need, please call 2-1-1 on your phone or search online at 2-1-1.org. Specialist are available 24/7 to help identify local resources that may be able to help provide diapers and other basic necessities.
For more information wisit the National Diaper Bank.
- Webinars
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New Webinar Video Available
Child Care Providers and Federal Assistance: Small Business Administration Loans and Loan Forgiveness
Tom Copeland’s Small Business Administration Opportunities and Economic Relief for Child Care Providers webinar recorded on April 9, 2020 is available for viewing.
Go to the video of the webinar.
Child Care News
Comprehensive Background Clearance Information
New Emergency Regulations
OCFS issued new emergency regulations that make changes to the rules for comprehensive background checks to ease the burden on programs and parents. These new regulations went into effect on February 7, 2020. You can find them here: ocfs.ny.gov/main/legal/Regulatory/er/.
Policy Directives
- 20-OCFS-INF-06 - Major Regulatory Revisions as of February 7, 2020
Word document for 20-OCFS-INF-06 | PDF document for 20-OCFS-INF-06-
Dear Provider Letter - Policy Changes for Licensed and Registered Providers
English: Word document for February 2020 Licensed Providers | PDF document for February 2020 Licensed Providers
Español: Word document for February 2020 Licensed Providers - Spanish | PDF document for February 2020 Licensed Providers - Spanish -
Dear Provider Letter - Policy Changes for Legally Exempt Providers
English: Word document for February 2020 Legally Exempt Providers | PDF document for February 2020 Legally Exempt Providers
Español: Word document for February 2020 Legally Exempt Providers - Spanish | PDF document for February 2020 Legally Exempt Providers - Spanish
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Dear Provider Letter - Policy Changes for Licensed and Registered Providers
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20-OCFS-INF-02 - Safety related background checks for persons providing services to children in a child day care setting
Word document for 20-OCFS-INF-02 | PDF document for 20-OCFS-INF-02-
Dear Provider Letter - January 13, 2020
English: Word document for 20-OCFS-INF-02 provider letter | PDF document for 20-OCFS-INF-02 provider letter
Español: Word document for 20-OCFS-INF-02 provider letter in Spanish | PDF document for 20-OCFS-INF-02 provider letter in Spanish
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OCFS-5014 - Parental Consent Form
English: Word document for OCFS-5014 | PDF document for OCFS-5014
Español: Word document for OCFS-5014-S | PDF document for OCFS-5014-S
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Dear Provider Letter - January 13, 2020
Frequently Asked Questions - Update February 11, 2020
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FAQ for Licensed and Registered Providers
Word document for LR FAQ | PDF document for LR FAQ -
FAQ for Legally Exempt Providers
Word document for LE FAQ | PDF document for LE FAQ
QUALITYstarsNY

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.