Child Care Options
One of the first things to consider when choosing child care is what type of setting will be the best fit for the needs of your child.
Day Care Centers, School-Age Child Care, Group Family Day Care, and Family Day Care programs are regulated by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services and must be registered or licensed to operate.
All staff and providers of child care programs regulated by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services are required to receive a minimum of 30 hours of training every two years. Day Care Center and School-Age Child Care staff must also meet specific credential and/or work experience requirements.
Regulated Child Care Options:
- Day Care Center
- School-Age Child Care
- Family Day Care
- Group Family Day Care
- Summer Day Camp
Other Early Childhood Program Options:
Day Care Centers - Care is provided for more than six children at a time in a facility that is not a residence in a group setting. All Day Care Centers must be licensed bythe NYS Office of Children and Family Services, and must meet licensing requirements for the facility, health, safety, staffing and education.
Age of Children |
Staff/Child Ratio | Maximum Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| 6 weeks to 18 months | 1:4 | 8 |
| 18 to 36 months | 1:5 | 12 |
| 3 years | 1:7 | 18 |
| 4 years | 1:8 | 21 |
| 5 years | 1:9 | 24 |
| 6 to 9 years | 1:10 | 20 |
| 10 to 12 years | 1:15 | 30 |
Family Day Care Homes - Care is provided in a personal residence for up to 8 children. Programs may enroll children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. The number of children cared for is based on the ages of the providers own children, and the ages of the children they serve. Family Day Care Homes must be registered by the NYS State Office of Children and Family Services.
Group Family Day Care Homes - Care is provided in a personal residence by a primary caregiver and an assistant for up to 14 children. The provider must use an assistant when more than six children are present. Programs may enroll children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. The number of children cared for is based on the ages of the provider's own children, and the ages of the children they serve. Group Family Day Care Homes must be licensed by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services.
School-Age Child Care Programs - Programs are designed for children from kindergarten through age 12. Care is provided before and after school and may also operate during school holidays and vacations. Programs may operate in various facilities such as elementary schools, churches, community centers, and day care centers. School-Age Child Care Programs must be registered by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
Nursery Schools / Pre-Schools - A Programs that services children ages 3 years through 5 years for less than three hours per day, two to five days per week. A nursery school may voluntarily register with the State Education Department (SED).
Pre-Kindergartens - The NYS Department of Education funds and supervises Pre-Kindergarten programs for 4 year olds in some school districts during the school year. Programs are usually located in public schools, but can also be found in private schools or day care centers.
Head Start Centers - A federally funded program for children that meets 4-5 days per week during the school year. Head Start children must be at least 3 years old and not eligible to attend public school at the time of application. All Head Start Centers must be licensed by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, and must meet llicensing requirements for the facility, health, safety, staffing and education.
Legally Exempt Care (Informal) - Care is provided in a personal residence for up to two children that are not directly related to the provider. This type of care is exempt from registration.