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The Office of Children and Family Services provides support for people and organizations interested in starting child day care programs in their communities. As a general rule, any child day care program planning to serve three or more children for more than three hours a day on a regular basis must obtain a license or registration. Before becoming licensed or registered, the applicant must show that the proposed child day care program meets requirements established to promote the health and safety of children in care.
To obtain an application for a child care program license or registration, you will take the Child Day Care Orientation. This orientation will help you decide if operating a child care program in New York State is right for you. It outlines requirements for opening a child care program, spaces where care can be provided, the ratios of children to adults, and resources for providers. Orientation includes important rules and regulations you need to know to run your business. You will also find information information on how to best care for children in your program.
Visit the Child Day Care Orientation to find out more.
To obtain an application for a child care program license or registration in the following languages: بى (Arabic), বাঙালি (Bengali), 中文 (Chinese), Francais (French), Kreyòl ayisyen (Haitian-Creole), Italiano (Italian), 한국어 (Korean), Polski (Polish), Русскийy (Russian), Español (Spanish), יידיש (Yiddish), please contact 518-474-9454 for assistance.
Contents
Child Care Providers and New York State's Second-Hand Smoke Law
Child care providers and anyone applying to become a licensed or registered child care provider should be aware of law related to smoking in programs.
Individuals are prohibited from smoking in all facilities required to be licensed or registered for child care services. As of November 18, 2018, this includes private homes. Smoking, vaping and electronic cigarette use is prohibited at all times, even outside operating hours, in rooms where child care is provided in Family Day Care and Group Family Day Care homes.
For further information, providers and applicants can contact their regional office, licensor or registrar.
Information for Applicants
- Starting a Child Care Program
- How to Become a NYS Child Day Care Provider
- Opening a Licensed/Registered Child Day Care Program
- Overview of Day Care Center Licensing Process
- Provider Background Checks
- Application-Samples only
- Operating a Child Care Program
- Live Scan (Fingerprinting)
- QUALITYstarsNY
- Regulations/Law/Policies
Provider Training
Program Development
- Environment Rating Scales
- Nat. Assoc. for the Edu. of Young Children (NAEYC)
- National Assn. for Family Child Care
- Family Child Care Association of New York State
- NYS Assoc. for the Ed. of Young Children (NYSAEYC)
- NYS Council on Children and Families
- NYS Early Childhood Advisory Council
- Winning Beginning NY
Nutrition
- NYS Department of Health
- US Department of Agriculture
- Together We Can Raise Healthy Children
- Reimbursement for meals and snacks
Health and Safety
- Administration of Medication
- Computer Safety
- Influenza Prevention and Control
- Lead Poisoning Prevention Info (DOH)
- Look Before You Lock
- Preventing Child Abuse
- Pool Guidelines (FDC & GFDC)
- Radon
- Recalled Products
- Safe to Sleep - Crib Information Center
- Seat Belt Requirements for Children
- What Child Care Providers Need to Know About Lead
- What Your Child's Blood Lead Test Means
- Zika Virus Information
Emergency Planning
- American Red Cross: Be Ready
- Exit Drills in the Home (EDITH)
- FEMA Resources for Children and Families
- Flood or Hurricane Resources
- Home Fire Safety Checklist
- Preparing an Emergency Kit
- Preparing Your Children for Disasters
- Ready.gov
- Six Ways to Receive a Warning
- Think Ahead
- USFA Home Safety and Fire Prevention
Subsidy Program
- Child Care Market Rates
- Child Care Plans
- New York State Child Care and Development Fund Plan
- Help Parents Pay for Child Care Subsidy