You are on this page: Information for Parents
Choosing child care is an important decision. You can learn about choices in these short Child Care Options videos. Safe and positive child care sets the stage for healthy growth and development. It takes time, patience and understanding of what to look for when selecting child care. You know the needs of your child and family. However, you may need assistance in matching those needs to available resources. That is why OCFS is proud to share with you the supports that we have put in place to assist you in making this important decision.
Contents
General Info
The New York State Council on Children and Families has updated the NYS Early Childhood Family Guide on early childhood services to include information on a range of supports for families.
- Child Development Video Library
- Child Care Facts & Figures for 2022
- Child Care Options Video
- Complaint Line Toll-Free
- Early Intervention Program
- Early Interventions Social-Emotional Development
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Health insurance for children, families, & small businesses
- QUALITYstarsNY
- Resources For Families
- What Parents Should Know About Child Care
Help Paying for Child Care
Finding Quality Child Care
Child Care Plans
Contacts
Nutrition
- Infant Formula Shortage Assistance
- NYS Department of Health
- US Department of Agriculture
- Together We Can Raise Healthy Children
Health and Safety
- Inspection Checklists
These inspection checklists may not reflect every regulatory citation, but reflect substantial and commonly-observed requirements of the OCFS regulations. Additional regulatory citations that are not included in these inspection checklists can be added by a regulator during inspections, as needed. - Administration of Medication
- Background Checks for Providers
- Computer Safety
- Difficult Times & Tough Talks
- Influenza Prevention and Control
- Lead Poisoning Prevention Info (DOH)
- Look Before You Lock
- Lyme Disease Tip Sheet
- Pool Guidelines (FDC & GFDC)
- Preventing Child Abuse
- Radon
- Recalled Products
- Safe to Sleep - Crib Information Center
- Seat Belt Requirements for Children
- Traumatic Experiences - Sesame Street
- 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
- Evacuation Activities for Children and Adolescents
- Exit Drills in the Home (EDITH)
- Emergency Planning and Response Resources
- Helping Children Cope After Traumatic Events
- Helping Infants and Toddlers After Disasters
- Home Fire Safety Checklist
- Planning for Your Children in Case of Hospitalization or Quarantine
- Preparing an Emergency Kit
- Preparing Your Children for Disasters
- Ready.gov
- Ready.gov - Resources for Educators
- Six Ways to Receive a Warning
- Talking to children about terrorist attacks and school and community shootings in the news
- Think Ahead
- Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event
- USFA Home Safety and Fire Prevention