Family child care homes are child care programs run by a provider in a residential setting. This is normally a mixed age group setting. Some providers offer part-time, weekend, overnight, and evening care options; flexible schedules, and the option to allow siblings to stay together. In New York State family child care providers are registered by the NYS OCFS. They are restricted by regulations that govern the numbers and ages of the children in care, the qualifications of the caregiver, and the health and safety conditions of the facility. Care may be provided for children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age.
Click here to see the state regulations for family child care.
Registered Family Child Care Providers may care for:
- Children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age
- One approved caregiver for every 2 children under the age of two.
- There must be an approved/cleared alternative provider, if there are more than 2 children under 2 years of age.
- The provider's own children under kindergarten age are included in the maximum number of children.
- A provider is only approved to care for more than two children under two years old if their registration certificate will indicate “there must be one caregiver for every 2 children under two years in attendance”.
Number of Children In Care: A new law affected on June 16, 2010 allows regulated home-based care to have more children in care. However, a provider MUST BE in compliance with his/her current maximum capacity, which could be:
- Either: Up to 6 children, if all are over the age of two or Up to 5 children, if any child is under the age of two; And up to 2 additional school age children, if approved. With no more than 2 children under the age of two.
- OR (If approved for new regulations as of June 2010): Up to 6 children and up to 2 additional school age children, if approved. One approved caregiver per every 2 children under the age of two!
Click Here to see chart of child/adult ratio.
