Provider Services

All of the following services for child care providers are FREE of charge:

• Assistance with the application and throughout the registration process

• Referrals to your business when parents contact us looking for child care

• Reimbursement for the nutritious meals and snacks you serve through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

• Technical assistance to answer your questions and help you improve the quality of care you provide

• Health Care Consultancy to assist you with developing and maintaining your program's health care plan.

Training programs on child development, business management, CPR, First Aid, nutrition, child abuse and maltreatment, and other child care related topics are available at low or no cost.

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New York State Social Services Law requires you to be licensed/registered if they provide child care in your

home for:

• More than two children not related to provider

• More than three hours a day

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What are some key requirements for being a licensed/registered child care provider?

• Are you at least 18 years of age?

• Do you have experience caring for young children? Raising your own children counts!

• Minimum qualifications: 2 years experience caring for children less than 6 yrs. OR 1 year experience plus 6 training hours - college courses (ECE, ECD, CDA), health and safety training, workshops, or  other child related fields.. Trainings are offered in our offices!

• Do you own your own home? If renting, check with landlord about operating a daycare.

• Does the home have at least 2 remote means of egress (two separate ways out)?

• Is the potential day care space on the first floor with exits directly to the outside? 

• Is there an accessible outdoor play area for the children?

• Is there a working phone in the home?

• Any household member 18 yrs. or older will need a Statewide Central Registry Database Check and fingerprints.

• Home inspections are required -  one initial and one fire safety

To request an application, visit http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/childcare  to watch the REQUIRED orientation video.  Registrars are also available in our offices to assist you at 343-2344 ext. 110 or 123.

Click the photo to learn more!

Do You Suspect Abuse or Maltreatment?
Report it Now!

Call our Statewide Toll Free Telephone Number:
1-800-342-3720
TDD/TTY: 1-800-638-5163

If you believe that a child is in immediate danger,
call 911 or your local police department.

Need information about licensing or child care regulations?

The Child Care & Development Council Registrars can assist you with any questions you may have about NYS child care regulations.  For questions about family or school age child care regulations, contact our office at (315)343-2344.  For questions about group family or child care center regulations, contact the Syracuse Regional Office at (315)423-1202.  To view the regulations, visit the Office of Children and Family Services website.