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Welcome child care providers!
The Division of Child Care Services maintains this page as a key resource list for child care providers. We are confident that the information and the links provided on this page will be helpful and informative.
Orientation materials for prospective child care providers can be found on the Orientation for Child Day Care page.
Contents
Important Information for Child Care Providers on …
2023 NYSDOH Information for Flu Education Amendment OCFS
Dear Provider:
Attached is the annual flu education amendment announcement for child care programs. Please post the information about flu and the benefits of flu vaccination.
Please note:
Please see the Health and Safety section of this page for more information, documents, and Spanish translations of flu education amendment materials.
Estimado proveedor de cuidado infantil:
Adjunto se encuentra el anuncio de enmienda anual sobre educación sobre la influenza para programas de cuidado infantil. Publique la información sobre la gripe y los beneficios de la vacuna contra la gripe.
Tenga en cuenta:
Consulte la sección Salud y Seguridad de esta página para obtener más información, documentos y traducciones al español de los materiales de enmienda a la educación sobre la gripe.
2023 Child Care Market Rate Survey
Every few years, the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) conducts a survey of the price of child care across the state of New York. This information is very important. It helps us to update payment rates for the Child Care Assistance Program (formerly known as Child Care Subsidy Program), so they reflect local prices.
This September, the Market Rate Survey Team will be sending all providers an electronic survey invitation by email that contains a link to the 2023 Child Care Market Rate Survey. The email will be coming from the sender ocfs.sm.marketratesurvey@ocfs.ny.gov and have the subject line: 2023 Child Care Market Rate Survey Invitation.
Please know this is a real survey from OCFS and it is safe to click on the link in the email. You can take this survey using any computer web browser or mobile device. The survey will take you about 15 minutes to complete.
Questions can be sent to: ocfs.sm.marketratesurvey@ocfs.ny.gov
- Market Rate Survey Resources
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- Dear Provider: 2023 Market Rate Survey | Spanish version of Dear Provider 2023 Market Rate Survey
- 2023 Market Rate Survey Promotional Flyer (English and Spanish)
- Market Rate Survey Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Spanish version of Market Rate Survey Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Market Rate Survey User Guide | Spanish version of Market Rate Survey User Guide
- 2023 Market Rate Survey Overview Video | Spanish version of Market Rate Survey Overview Video
- Market Rate Survey Questions (Reference Only)
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Do not complete this form. Do not return to OCFS.
This survey can only be submitted online using a custom survey link that will be emailed to valid child care providers/programs. This document shows all possible questions on the survey. If you complete the survey online some of these questions will not appear, depending on your answers to other questions.No complete este formulario. Tampoco lo devuelva a OCFS.
Esta encuesta solamente se puede llenar en línea utilizando el enlace personalizado que se le enviará a los proveedores/programas válidos. Este documento enseña todas las preguntas posibles de la encuesta. Si completa la encuesta en línea, algunas de estas preguntas no aparecerán dependiendo de su respuesta a otras preguntas.
Valuable Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA) Resources!
OCFS has created a DEIA Toolkit to support child care programs and families.
The Toolkit includes materials, available in a variety of languages, to intentionally weave DEIA into your child care community.
The Toolkit includes:
- Self-assessment activity
- Best programming practices tip sheet
- ‘Ways to Celebrate Diversity’ flyer
- Materials lists and ideas for recommended learning areas
- Book list for children
NYS Comprehensive Background Checks
As required by the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act (CCDBG) and new York State Social Services Law, new comprehensive background checks became effective on September 25, 2019.
For more information see the CCDBG Background Checks page.
Amended Child Care Regulations To Take Effect September 25, 2019
The amendments affect 403, 404, 405, 406, 413, 414, 415, 416, and 417 and Subparts 418-1 and 418-2 of Title 18 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (NYCRR) are hereby amended to read as follows: See Licensed Registered Regulations and Legally Exempt Regulations.
This packet contains the forms affected by these amendments.
OCFS Offering Free Graco Cribs to Three Types of Day Care Providers
OCFS is providing family-based child care providers a Graco Pack ‘n Play crib – free. All legally-exempt, family day care, and group family day care homes are eligible to request one Pack ‘n Play and one fitted sheet. Find out more about how to make a request, and see the OCFS hold harmless agreement – (En Español Spanish hold harmless agreement).
Reporting Child Care Fraud in New York State
Report child care fraud committed in New York State involving:
- Child Care Assistance
- The Essential Worker Scholarship
- CARES
- Child Care Provider Stabilization grants
To report visit the OCFS Report Child Care Fraud page to submit the form or call 844-863-9317, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
General Info
- OCFS launched FAMS in an effort to streamline and enhance the licensing process. FAMS will make it easier for communication between the licensor and provider during the licensing process. FAMS is currently available for Day Care Centers and School Age Child Care programs. Watch a video on using FAMS.
- Child Care Facts & Figures for 2022
- Continuity of Care Video
- Early Intervention Program
- Early Interventions Social-Emotional Development
- Live Scan (Fingerprinting)
- Forms
- Health insurance for children, families, & small businesses
- Liability Insurance Information
- Letters to Providers
- Operating a Child Care Program
- Orientation for Child Day Care
- Provider Background Checks
- QUALITYstarsNY
- Request to remove street address and map from the OCFS Day Care Facility Search
- Resources For Families
- Regulations
- Policies
- Scam alerts
- Services for Young Children Experiencing Homelessness
- Starting a Child Care Program
Provider Training
- Training Home Page
- Healthy Beverages in Childcare - returning soon
- Infant Meal Pattern - returning soon
- Child Meal Pattern - returning soon
Program Development
- Environment Rating Scales
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
- National Association for Family Child Care
- Family Child Care Association of New York State
- New York Association for the Education of Young Children (NYAEYC)
- NYS Council on Children and Families
- NYS Early Childhood Advisory Council
- Early Childhood Education Training Program video library
Nutrition
- NYS Department of Health
- US Department of Agriculture
- Together We Can Raise Healthy Children
- Reimbursement for meals and snacks
Child Care Assistance Program
- Child Care Market Rates
- Child Care Plans
- New York State Child Care and Development Fund Plan
- Help Parents Pay for Child Care
Health and Safety
Child care programs can receive notifications on severe weather, transportation, AMBER and missing children, consumer protection, public health and sex offender re-location by signing up for NY Alert.
- New York State Department of Health, Information for Flu Education Amendment
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Linked below is the annual flu education amendment announcement to child care facilities reminding that it is time to post information about flu and the benefits of flu vaccination.
Also linked is the DOH publication Parents: Fight Flu at Home and School, in two sizes in both English and Spanish. Please note: The publication is available in several more languages on the Department of Health web site.
Common questions we've received in the past regarding this information:
- Do I have to use the document provided?
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No, it is provided for your convenience as an example of material that is acceptable to post.
- Can I post to our website, send to all parents electronically, or hand parents hard copies as a way to fulfill this requirement?
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Doing all of these things is wonderful and goes beyond what is required. In this case "posting" means a hard copy placed in plain view of parents in your program.
- Does this amendment mandate that parents must get their child vaccinated against influenza?
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No. This mandates only that child-care programs have to post the information where parents see it. The New York State Department of Health and the CDC recommend that all people 6 months of age and older get vaccinated as soon as vaccine is available.
If you have any further questions, please reach out to your regulator for assistance.
- Información para la Enmienda de Educación sobre la Influenza (Gripe) del Departamento de Salud del Estado de Nueva York
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A continuación, se encuentra el anuncio de la enmienda anual de educación sobre la influenza a los centros de cuidado infantil que recuerda que es hora de publicar información sobre la influenza y los beneficios de la vacunación contra la influenza.
También se provee un enlace a la publicación del Departamento de Salud, Padres: Combatan la gripe en casa y en la escuela, en dos tamaños en inglés y español. Tenga en cuenta que la publicación está disponible en varios idiomas más en el sitio web del Departamento de Salud.
Preguntas comunes que hemos recibido en el pasado con respecto a esta información:
- ¿Tengo que utilizar el documento proporcionado?
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No, el documento se proporciona para su conveniencia como un ejemplo de material aceptable para publicar.
- ¿Puedo publicar en nuestro sitio web, enviar a todos los padres electrónicamente o entregarles copias impresas como una manera de cumplir con este requisito?
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Hacer todas estas cosas es maravilloso y va más allá de lo requerido. En este caso, "publicar" significa colocar una copia impresa a la vista de los padres en su programa.
- ¿Exige esta enmienda que los padres deben vacunar a sus hijos contra la influenza?
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No. Esto exige únicamente que los programas de cuidado infantil tengan que publicar la información donde los padres la vean. El Departamento de Salud del Estado de Nueva York y los y los Centros de Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC por sus siglas en inglés) recomiendan que todas las personas a partir de los 6 meses de edad se vacunen tan pronto como la vacuna esté disponible.
Si tiene más preguntas, comuníquese con su regulador para obtener ayuda.
- 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
- Computer Safety
- Pub. 5197 - Field Trip Safety
Pub. 5197-S - Viajes de Estudio - Influenza Prevention and Control
- Look Before You Lock
- Lyme Disease Tip Sheet
- NY Alert (alert.ny.gov)
- No Firearms, Shotguns or Rifles Notice – (En Español firearms notice)
- Pesticide Prohibition Requirements
- Pub. 5199 - Playground Safety
Pub. 5199-S - En el Patio - Playground Safety Videoconference
- Pool Guidelines (FDC & GFDC)
- Preventing Child Abuse
- Pub. 5210 - Protecting Children from Extreme Heat
Pub. 5210-S - Protegiendo a los Niños del Calor Extremo - Protective Surfacing
- Radon
- Recalled Products
- Seat Belt Requirements for Children
- Safe to Sleep - Crib Information Center
- Pub. 5198 - Transportation Safety
Pub. 5198-S - Transporte - Traumatic Experiences - Sesame Street
- Resources for Dealing with Trauma
- Understanding Recent Changes to Bleach Concentrations
- What Child Care Providers Need to Know About Lead
- Pub. 5196 - What to Bring When Leaving the Program or Classroom
Pub. 5196-S - Lo que debe llevar consigo al salir del programa o de la sala de clase - What Your Child's Blood Lead Test Means
- American Red Cross: Be Ready
- Evacuation Activities for Children and Adolescents
- Exit Drills in the Home (EDITH)
- Flood or Hurricane Resources
- Helping Children Cope After Traumatic Events
- Helping Infants and Toddlers After Disasters
- Home Fire Safety Checklist
- 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
- Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event
- Think Ahead
- USFA Home Safety and Fire Prevention
- Enforcement Letter - Right to a Hearing
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- English Enforcement Letter - Right to a Hearing
- Arabic / عربى خطاب إنفاذ - إشعار بالحق في ترجمة جلسة الاستماع
- Bengali / বাংলা এনফোর্সমেন্ট চিঠি একটি শুনানি অনুবাদের অধিকারের বিজ্ঞপ্তি
- Chinese, traditional / 中文 聽證會翻譯權利通知強制執行函
- French / Français Lettre d’exécution - traduction de l’avis de droit à une audience
- Haitian Creole / Kreyòl Ayisyen Avi Tradiksyon Lèt Mizanplas Dwa pou Jwenn yon Odyans
- Italian / Italiano Lettera esecutiva Traduzione dell’avviso del diritto a un’udienza
- Korean / 한국어 청문회 요청 권리 집행 서신 번역 안내문
- Polish / Polskie Postanowienie z klauzulą wykonalności stwierdzające prawo do przesłuchania wyjaśniającego – zawiadomienie o tłumaczeniu
- Russian / Pусский Уведомление о праве подачи прошения о проведении слушания в ответ на письмо о принудительном исполнении
- Spanish / Español Traducción del aviso de derecho de audiencia por carta de ejecución
- Yiddish / יידיש דורכפירונגס בריוו רעכט פאר א הירינג איבערטייטשונג מעלדונג
- De Novo Enforcement Letter - Right to a Hearing
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- English: De Novo Enforcement Letter - Right to a Hearing
- Arabic / عربى: خطاب إنفاذ من جديد - إشعار بالحق في ترجمة جلسة الاستماع
- Bengali / বাংলা: ডি নোভো এনফোর্সমেন্ট চিঠি একটি শুনানি অনুবাদের অধিকারের বিজ্ঞপ্তি
- Chinese, traditional / 中文: 聽證會翻譯權利通知重審強制執行函
- French / Français: Nouvelle lettre d’exécution - traduction de l’avis du droit à une audience
- Haitian Creole / Kreyòl Ayisyen: Lèt Egzekisyon De Novo sou Dwa pou gen yon Avi Tradiksyon pou Odyans
- Italian / Italiano: Nuova lettera esecutiva Traduzione dell’avviso del diritto a un’udienza
- Korean / 한국어: 재심 청문회 요청 권리 집행 서신 번역 안내문
- Polish / Polskie: Nowe postanowienie z klauzulą wykonalności stwierdzające prawo do przesłuchania wyjaśniającego – zawiadomienie o tłumaczeniu
- Russian / Pусский: Уведомление о праве подачи прошения о повторном слушании в ответ на письмо о принудительном исполнении
- Spanish / Español: Traducción del aviso de derecho de audiencia para la segunda revisión de la carta de ejecución (de novo)
- Yiddish / יידיש: דע נאווא דורכפירונגס בריוו רעכט פאר א הירינג איבערטייטשונג מעלדונג
Emergency Planning
Information on Day Care Hearing Rights Following Enforcement
The following documents detail your right to a special hearing as a day care provider should you receive an enforcement letter from OCFS.
Refer to the Special Hearings pages for more information.