A Guide to Child Care Programs
A Guide to Childcare Programs…
Listed below are brief descriptions of common types of childcare programs in New York State. Each program is regulated by the state Office of Children and Family Services. For specific information on regulations and capacity issues, please contact our office at 343-2344.
Programs You Can Choose From:
Day Care Centers provide care for more than six children at a time, not in a personal residence. These programs are licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
Small Day Care Centers provide care for up to six children, not in a personal residence. These programs are licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
Family Day Care Homes provide care for three to six children at a time in a residence and may add one or two school-age children. The maximum allowable number of children will depend on whether any infants are in care and if so how many. These programs are registered by the Child Care and Development Council.
Group Family Day Care Homes provide care for seven to twelve children at a time in a residence and may add one or two school-age children. The maximum allowable number of children will depend on whether there are any infants in care and if so how many. A provider must use an assistant when more that six children are present. These programs are licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
Each of the programs listed above can serve children ages six weeks through twelve years and operate for more than three hours a day.
School-Age Child Care Programs provide care for more than six children from kindergarten through age twelve. They care for children during non-school hours and also may provide care during school vacation periods and holidays. These programs are registered by the Child Care and Development Council.
Other forms of legal childcare include:
Nursery Schools provide care for three hours a day or less. In New York City, the City Department of Health regulates these programs. A nursery school may voluntarily register with the State Education Department (SED).
Pre-Kindergartens are usually located in public schools, but can also be found in private schools or day care centers. They are supervised by the SED and the local school district.
Head Start Centers are targeted for preschool-age children from low-income families. They are federally funded and usually licensed as Day Care Centers. Head Start Centers are licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
Legally Exempt Care (Informal) provides care for one or two children at a time in addition to the provider’s own children, usually in the provider’s home. These providers are not required to register.