Legally Exempt Child Care
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I get my check?Family Enrichment Network is only the enrollment agency and does not make payments or payment decisions. You must contact your local Department of Social Services for any questions about payment. In Broome County, contact 778-2628
In Tioga County, contact 687-8500
How long will it take before I get approved?This depends upon how complete the paperwork you submitted is. Once the paperwork is complete, in most cases, you will be approved within 45 days. In many cases, it only takes a couple of weeks.
How often do I have to renew or fill out a new enrollment form?Legally Exempt providers must renew or "re-enroll" once a year. Unless you have changes to the care you provide, such as the location of care, changes in the adults living in the home, new criminal convictions, etc., you do not have to fill out the enrollment form more than once a year. If in doubt, please call the Family Enrichment Network Legally Exempt Specialist.
Do I have to pay income taxes? I thought I was tax-exempt.Yes, you have to pay taxes on income earned in New York State. The term "Legally Exempt" refers to being legally exempt from child care regulations, not being tax exempt.
How many kids can I have?You can provide care in your home for up to 2 non-related children fulltime. If you wish to provide care for more than 2 children, you must first become a registered or licensed family child care provider. As a family or group family child care provider, the number of children you can have depends on the ages of the children in your care. Please call a Child Care Specialist or your OCFS licensor to review the regulations.
Where can I do childcare?You can do childcare in your home, the parents home, or another location (with written statement as to why you are providing care at another location). You can provide care in only one location. You cannot go between two different homes.