Table of Contents

NYS Child Care Licensing Process

Types of Regulated Child Care in New York State

1

Complete the OCFS online orientation.

The OCFS Orientation will help you understand the different types of child care programs and requirements of those programs. It will introduce you to important rules and regulations you need to know in order to run your business and help you to determine if you are interested and able to start a child care program at this time.

Each video in the orientation series is 5-10 minutes. You can stop at any point and resume where you left off if you log in using the same computer. Total time to complete all the videos is about 1.5 hours.

2

Request an application through the link at the end of the orientation.

3

In Tompkins County FDC and SACC programs are registered by a Registrar at the Council. Tompkins County GFDC and Centers and all programs in Cortland County are licensed by the OCFS regional office. Your Licensor/Registrar and Council staff are available to support you through the process.

4

Complete the application. Be sure you understand the licensing/registration requirements and regulations – we are here to help with any questions you may have. Licensing/registration may require third party inspections of the potential child care site to assure that you can operate a safe program.

5

Submit the application. Sending in a complete application package is highly recommended and can speed up the licensing/registration process.

6

An OCFS representative will complete a site inspection.

7

If approved, OCFS will mail a license or registration to you.

8

Open your program!

9

Stay in touch with Council staff!

Once you are in operation, we can provide you with referrals for child care, on-going support and resources for your program.

Let us know you’re up and running – Congratulations!

Building Access to Child Care Project (BACC) and Early Childhood Business Alliance (ECBA)
Early Childhood Career Development
NYS Child Care Licensing Process
Creating a Business Plan
Business Structure
Risk Management and Insurance
Financial Management and Record Keeping
Taxes
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
Marketing
Curriculum Planning
Program and Employment Records and Forms
Working with Families: Communication, Contracts and Help Paying for Child Care
Caregiver Qualifications, Training and Professional Development Requirements
Quality Improvement
Professional Organizations
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
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