Child Care Regulations in NY
In New York, legal child care programs are required to have a current license or registration. With only a few exceptions, every program that cares for more than two children three hours or more per day must have a current license or registration certificate. When you visit a regulated child care facility, ask to see the license or registration certificate. Providers who work in regulated programs have had extensive background checks, and are required to follow a set of regulations set by NYS.
The regulations are in place to make sure your child is being cared for in a safe and healthy environment. Registered and licensed programs are also periodically inspected to make sure they are in compliance with the regulations. We encourage families to have a basic understanding of the regulations so you can know if your child’s provider is meeting the minimum health & safety standards. They are available on the Office of Children & Family Services’ website for you to download and read.
If you have any questions about the regulations, Child Care Solutions is here to help you understand them over the phone or in person.
Checking Inspection & Compliance History
We recommend you check a program's inspection & compliance history. You can find this on the Office of Children & Family Services’ website. This includes any regulatory violations and current compliance status for those violations.
To search for a program's inspection & compliance history:
- Visit OCFS's website: http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/childcare/ccfs_template.asp
- Enter program details and click “find day care”
- Click this icon for program information, including inspection & compliance history
Concerns & Complaints
Anyone can file a complaint of a possible regulatory violation in a day care center, group family day care, family day care, or school age child care program. If you think a person or program is operating without the proper license or registration certificate, this is also a basis for making a complaint. Your complaint will be investigated, and if it is substantiated, staff will work with the provider to correct any violations.
To file a complaint call any of the following between 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday:
Child Care Solutions: (315) 446-1220
Syracuse Regional Office: (315) 423-1202
Office of Children & Family Services (toll-free line): (800) 732-5207