Child Care Centers provide group care for children for more than 3 hours a day in a non-residential setting. Children are typically grouped by age. In New York State centers are licensed by the New York State Office for Children and Family Services (NYS OCFS). Minimum standards must be met for staffing, group size and basic health and safety. Care may be provided for children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age.
> Click here to see the state regulations for child care centers.
Child Care Centers may care for:
Ages of Children |
Child-To-Staff Ratio |
Maximum Group Size |
| 6 weeks-18 months |
4:1 |
8 |
| 18 months-3 years |
5:1 |
12 |
| 3 years |
7:1 |
18 |
| 4 years |
8:1 |
21 |
| 5 years |
9:1 |
24 |
| 5-10 years |
10:1 |
20 |
| 10-12 years |
15:1 |
30 |
