In New York State there are four types of child care settings regulated by the Office for Children and Family Services (OCFS).
Child Care Centers
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 New York State regulations for child care centers.
School Age Programs
School age care is care for children aged 5 years to 12 years in the out-of-school hours. This type of care can be found in a free standing building, a public or private school setting, as well as in recreation centers, religious institutions, child care centers, or family child care homes. Care may be provided before and/or after school and sometimes during vacations and holidays. Most programs operate on a school-year calendar.
> Click here to see the New York State regulations for school age care.
Family Child Care
Family child care providers offer care in a residential setting. This is typically 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. Care may be provided for children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age.
> Click here to see the New York State regulations for family child care.
Group Family Child Care
Group family child care is similar to family child care however more children may be enrolled when an additional caregiver is present. Group providers are licensed by New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
> Click here to see the New York State regulations for group family child care.
Care settings that are not regulated by OCFS include:
Legally Exempt Providers
Also known as “informal provider” or “kith and kin” care, these providers are often friends, relatives or neighbors who watch one or two children in addition to their own. Legally exempt providers may contract with the local Department of Social Services to receive public subsidy for the children enrolled in their program. Call the Council at (914) 761-3456 ext. 158 to learn more about legally exempt care.
Nursery School/Preschool Programs
Nursery schools provide care where children are in attendance for no more than 3 hours per day in a nonresidential setting. Nursery schools typically enroll children aged 2.9 to 5 years of age and often run on a school-year calendar. Some nursery schools voluntarily register with the New York State Education Department.
In-home Care Provider
An in-home care provider may live with a family or travel to the family’s home each day. In-home providers are not regulated in New York State. In 1998 Kierans's Law took effect, allowing parents to access New York State criminal history information about potential in-home caregivers. Learn more about Kieran's Law.
Universal Pre-K
Universal Pre Kindergarten programs may be offered by local school districts to eligible four-year-old children. These programs are voluntary for both school districts and children and are regulated by the New York State Department of Education.
