Become a Provider

Skip to Content

Accessible Navigation and Information

Use the following links to quickly navigate around the page. The number for each is the shortcut key.

Translate

You are on this page: Become a Provider

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.

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

Provider Training

Program Development

Nutrition

Health and Safety

Emergency Planning

Child Care Assistance Program

Contacts