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New York Child Care Information for Providers FAQs

• Q: What Agency Is Responsible For Regulating Child Care?
  A: Child care is regulated by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), except in New York City, which are regulated by the New York City Department of Health.
• Q: What Laws Or Regulations Apply To Child Care Businesses?
  A: Section 390 of the New York Social Services Law, and applicable rules published by OCFS apply to child care providers.
• Q: Do I Need A License To Operate A Day Care Center?
  A: If you provide care for three to seven children for three or more hours a day on a regular basis you need to be registered with the state. If you provide care to seven … More
• Q: What Child Care Programs Are Exempt From Regulation?
  A: There are several day care programs that are exempt from these regulations. Day camps; after school programs operated by religious, educational, sports or recreation … More
• Q: How Do I Start A Child Care Business And Is Startup Funding Available?
  A: OCFS provides program support and funding grants to persons who wish to start a day care program. The support programs are administered at the county level by each … More
• Q: What Types Of Child Day Care Programs May I Operate?
  A: New York classifies child care providers in several different classifications: Day Care Centers, Small Day Care Centers, Family Day Care Homes & Group Family Day … More
• Q: What Are Day Care Centers?
  A: Day Care Centers provide care for more than six children at a time, not in a personal residence.
• Q: What Are Small Day Care Centers?
  A: Small Day Care Centers provide care for up to six children, not in a personal residence.
• Q: What Are Family Day Care Homes?
  A: Family Day Care Homes provide care for three to six children at a time in a residence; may add one or two school-age children. The maximum allowable number of children … More
• Q: What Are Group Family Day Care Homes?
  A: Group Family Day Care Homes provide care for seven to twelve children at a time in a residence; may add one or two school-age children. The maximum allowable number of … More

Click here to view general Child Care Information for Providers FAQs