Would you like to provide child care?
As a general rule, any day care program planning to serve three or more children for more than three hours a day on a regular basis must obtain a license or registration. To obtain this license or registration, the applicant must show that the day care program meets requirements that the state has established to help ensure the health and safety of children in care.
The Child Care Connection offers monthly "Introduction to Family Day Care" classes to individuals interested in learning what it takes to become registered to provide child care. We can help you complete your application and discuss any questions you may have. Please see our Training and Events Calendar for upcoming dates and times.
For more information on how to become a Family Day Care provider, or to register for an Introduction to Family Day Care class, please call our office at (607) 432-0061 or (866) 814-1117.
Family Day Care
A Family Day Care home is a residence in which child day care is provided on a regular basis for more than three hours per day per child for up to 8 children for compensation or otherwise. In Otsego County, registered Family Day Care is coordinated through The Child Care Connection. A Family Day Care provider must renew their registration every two to four years. The provider must take 30 hours of training within a two year registration period. Training must include the following nine topic areas: nutrition and health needs of children, child day care program development, safety and security procedures, including communication between parents and staff, business record maintenance and management, child abuse and maltreatment identification and prevention, statutes and regulations pertaining to child day care, statutes and regulations pertaining to child abuse and maltreatment and shaken baby syndrome. Care can be provided for children ages 6 weeks to 13 years of age. The provider must follow the New York State Family Day Care Regulations.
Group Family Day Care
A Group Family Day Care home is a residence in which child day care is provided on a regular basis for more than three hours per day per child for up to 16 children for compensation or otherwise. In Otsego County, Group Family Child Care is licensed through the Albany Regional Office of Children and Family Services. A Group Family Day Care home must have the provider and at least one assistant present during the hours that care is provided. A Group Family Day Care provider must renew their registration every two to four years. The provider and the assistant must take 30 hours of training within a two year registration period. Training must include the following nine topic areas: nutrition and health needs of children, child day care program development, safety and security procedures, including communication between parents and staff, business record maintenance and management, child abuse and maltreatment identification and prevention, statutes and regulations pertaining to child day care, statutes and regulations pertaining to child abuse and maltreatment and shaken baby syndrome. Care can be provided for children ages 6 weeks to 13 years of age. The provider must follow the New York State Group Family Day Care Regulations.
For an application and information regarding Group Family Day Care contact the Albany Regional Office at (518) 402-3038.
School-Age Child Care
A School-Age Child Care program is 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. In Otsego County, registered School-Age Child Care is coordinated through The Child Care Connection. School-Age Child Care programs must follow the New York State School Age Child Care Regulations.
For more information regarding School-Age Child Care, please call our office at (607) 432-0061 or (866) 814-1117.
Child Day Care Center
A Child Day Care Center provides care for more than six children at a time in a facility that is not a residence in a group setting. In Otsego County, Day Care Centers are licensed through the Albany Regional Office of Children and Family Services. A Day Care Center must renew their license every two to four years. The Director and all employees must take 30 hours of training within a two year registration period. Training must include the following nine topic areas: nutrition and health needs of children, child day care program development, safety and security procedures, including communication between parents and staff, business record maintenance and management, child abuse and maltreatment identification and prevention, statutes and regulations pertaining to child day care, statutes and regulations pertaining to child abuse and maltreatment and shaken baby syndrome. Care can be provided for children ages 6 weeks to 13 years of age. The Day Care Center must follow the New York State Child Day Care Center Regulations.
For an application and information regarding Child Day Care Centers contact the Albany Regional Office at (518) 402-3038.
Other forms of child care:
Legally-Exempt Family Child Care:
A Legally Exempt Child Care provider cares for one or two children outside of the child's own home in a residence. A Legally Exempt Child Care provider may also care for more than two children outside of the child's own home in a residence for less than three hours per day. Care is provided for families who receive Child Care Subsidy through the county.
Legally-Exempt In-Home Child Care:
Legally-Exempt In-Home Child Care is provided in the child's own home by a caregiver. Care is provided for families who receive Child Care Subsidy through the county.
Legally-Exempt Child Care providers must follow the New York State Legally-Exempt Health and Safety requirements.
For more information regarding Legally-Exepmt Child Care, please call our office at (607) 432-0061 or (866) 814-1117.
Kinship/Relative Child Care:
Kinship care refers to grandparents, other relatives, and even family friends who are caring for children. Most kinship caregivers are not foster parents and privately provide full time care for children.
For more information on Kinship Care, visit the New York State Kinship Navigator.