[ Child Care Resource and Referral ]

How to Become a Child Care Provider

Are you interested in becoming a child care provider or opening your own child care program?

First you need to determine what type of program you want to open.

• Informal Child Care - Provide care for one or two children, besides your own children or relatives, in your own home.   There is no registration process to provide informal child care.
• Legally Exempt Child Care - Provide care for one or two children, besides your own children or relatives, and receive payment from the Department of Social Services(DSS).   The parent must have an open case with DSS and the provider must be enrolled to be a legally exempt child care provider.
• Family Child Care - Provide care for five or six children at a time in your own residence; may add up to two school-aged children. The maximum allowable number of children will depend on the number of infants in care. Providers own children are counted in their capacity.  Family Child Care is Registered with New York State.
• Group Family Child Care - Provide care for up to twelve children at a time in your own residence; may add up to two school-age children. The maximum allowable number of children will depend on how many infants are in care. A provider must use an assistant and the assistant must be approved when there is more that six children present. Providers own children are counted in their capacity.  Group Family Child Care is Licensed with New York State.
• Child Care Center - Provide care for over 6 children in a non-residential setting.  Groups of children are separated by age and maximum group sizes and ratios must be maintained.  The program Director and teachers must meet educational and experience requriements.  Child Care Centers are Licensed with New York State.
• School Age Child Care Program - Provide care for children from kindergarten through age twelve in a non-residential setting. Care may also be provided during school vacations and holidays.  The program Director and teachers must meet educational and experience requirements.  School Age Child Care Programs are Registered with New York State.

For more information on any of type of child care, please call!