Child Care Connection Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where are you located?
A: 176 Main Street, Oneonta between Subway and Sport Tech.
Q: What is the average cost of care in Otsego County?
A: It depends on the age of the child, the schedule (full or part-time), the type of setting (family or group family day care or a day care center), and the geographic location. For more information call the office.
Q: How do I become a day care provider in my home?
A: The first thing to do is call our office to schedule an orientation session that will explain everything that you need to know about starting a family day care and answer all of your questions.
Q: Is there funding available to help with the cost of day care?
A: Yes. There is a day care subsidy through the local department of social services that can help assist parents with the expense of day care. Or call Otsego County Department of Social Services. In addition some employers offer employees a pre-tax flexible spending account for dependant care expenses and others offer a stipend toward child care expenses, check with your employer regarding these two options.
Q: Can you give me recommendations to day care programs?
A: We provide referrals and information, NOT recommendations. We recommend that parents visit programs they are interested in before choosing a care provider. For more information visit our referral page.
Q: How do I find out whether a program has had violations?
A: Visit the OCFS website or call our office for a compliance history.
Q: How do I lodge a complaint against a registered, licensed or legally-exempt program?
A: You may call our office and ask to speak to someone regarding a child care complaint or you may call the complaint line.
Q: Can a friend or relative watch my child?
A: Yes. You may use a legally-exempt provider for care, as long as they meet the definition of legally-exempt.
Q: What is illegal care?
A: Caring for more than 2 unrelated children for more than 3 hours per day per child on a regular basis for compensation or otherwise.
Q: What are the different types of care available?
A: There are several different modalities of care. The registered and licensed types include day care centers, group family day care, family day care and school age child care programs. Read more about care options here.
Q: Can my child receive medication at day care?
A: If the facility is certified to administer medications or the provider is related to the child is related to the provider within the third degree of consanguinity or if a relative of the child comes to the facility to administer medication or if care is provided in the child’s own home, yes. If there are none of the above situations, the only thing that can be administered at day care are over-the-counter topical ointments.
Q: Are background checks completed on day care providers?
A: Yes. Providers and household members over the age of 18 are subject to the following: State Central Register checks for child abuse and maltreatment, criminal background checks using fingerprints, reference checks, and a medical statement from a doctor stating that they are fit to do care and including a test for TB.
If you’re searching for a good child care option, you can request a referral online or call us at (607) 432-0061 for more information about our services.