Concerns & Complaints?

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 for 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 "Child Care 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.  Child Care Regulations are available on the Office of Children & Family Services’ website.

If you have any questions about the regulations, Child Care Solutions is here to help you understand them by calling us at (315) 446-1220 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 the program details and click “find day care”

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 you can reach any of the following Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM:

Child Care Solutions: (315) 446-1220 

Syracuse Regional Office: (315) 423-1202 

Office of Children & Family Services: (800) 732-5207