License Application (New York)

 

Review the licensing process

Dreaming of opening up your own in-home preschool or child care but not sure where to start? Chances are, you will need a license to operate your child care or school and each state has its own licensing process to become an in-home child care provider.

In New York State, any child 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. The Office of Children and Family Service (OCFS) provides support for those interested in starting child day care programs in their communities.

If you live in New York State, we’ve put together a blog post series on everything you need to know about getting licensed:

In New York, there are two types of licenses for Family Child Care: Family Child Care and Group Family Day Care. Learn more about the Types of Licenses here.

To apply for a license, you’ll have to go through an orientation. The application will then require certain inspections and safety regulations. Read more about the in-depth Licensing Process here.

To be eligible for a license, you must be at least 18 years old, have a certain number of years of experience depending on the age of the children you’ll care for, provide references, pass a background check, and more. Read more about License Eligibility.

There are certain training requirements you will have to meet within your first 6 months of employment and beyond whether you want to become a provider, assistant, or substitute teacher. To learn more about Training Requirements for Licensing, click here.

Lastly, your home will have to meet certain requirements for you to receive a child care license in New York State. These requirements include fire protection requirements and emergency escape plans as well as having all concrete floors covered and adequate indoor and outdoor space. Learn more about the Home Requirements for Licensing.

 

Begin online licensing orientation and request a licensing packet

 

In order to obtain an licensing application, you will first need to take the Child Day Care Orientation.

 

This orientation will walk you through the information you need to know to determine if you are interested and able to start a child care program in New York State. It outlines the necessary requirements for opening a child care program, highlighting the child care regulations, space requirements, information about proper ratios and staffing and resources for support. This orientation will also introduce you to the important rules and regulations you need to know in order to run your business. And you’ll find out some information about how to best care for children in your program.

 

Complete the orientation here: http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/childcare/becomeaprovider.asp

 

Please mark as complete once you have finished watching the family child care (6-8 children) or group family child care (up to 12 students) videos and requested your application.