Interested in Starting a Child Care Program?

Our Agency Can Guide You Through the Process

Step 1 - Determine what kind of program you want... in your home, in a school, or in a center. Any day care program that serves three or more children for more than three hours a day on a regular basis must obtain a license or registration.  Each type of care has a different set of requirements for the number of children and caregivers, building and safety requirements and early childhood programming. 

Step 2 - Learn the basic requirements to start a program.  In New York State, Family Child Care and School Age Child Care programs (SACC) are registered.  In Tompkins County, NYS Office of Children and Family Services contracts with the Child Development Council to register Family Child Care and SACC programs.  Group Family Child Care and Child Care Centers are licensed by NYS OCFS, Syracuse Regional Office.  Our checklist will help!

Step 3 - Work with us to begin the application process.  We can supply you with application materials, advise you about the process of starting a program and understanding legal requirements.  In addition, we offer support and educational materials to help build good business practices and quality programming for children. For individuals who want to work towards a Family Child Care or SACC Registration, you will be assigned a Child Care Specialist from our agency, who will guide you throughout the process. For those who are working towards licensing a Child Care Center or Group Family Child Care home, we will direct you to the Syracuse Regional Office (NYS OCFS).  We will still be here if you need us.  Just give us a call!

For detailed regulation information you can go to the OCFS Web site at ocfs.state.ny.us/main/childcare.