types of child care

Child care center

Center-based care is provided for a group of children for more than three hours per day, not in a personal residence, which must meet state licensing regulations for the facility, health, safety, staffing, and educational program. In addition to becoming state-licensed, child care centers may strive to become accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

registered family child care

Registered family child care is provided in a home setting by one primary caregiver. The maximum number of children allowed in care is six, with an expanded capacity to care for two more school-age children, upon approval from the Office of Children and Family Services. There must be one adult present for every two children under the age of two. Family child care programs must be registered through the NYS Office of Children and Family Services if care is provided for three or more unrelated children. Family child care programs may be accredited through the National Association of Family Child Care.

LICENSED GROUP FAMILY CHILD CARE

Licensed group family child care is provided in a home setting by a primary caregiver and an assistant. The maximum number of children allowed in care is twelve, with an expanded capacity to care for four more school-age children. There must be at least one adult present for every two children under the age of two. A provider or assistant may care for up to eight children alone if only two of the children are under the age of two and at least two of the children present are school-age. Group family child care programs are licensed through the NYS Office of Children and Family Services and may be accredited through the National Association of Family Child Care.

SCHOOL-AGE CHILD CARE

School-age child care is provided for a group of school-age children from kindergarten through age twelve before and after school and at times when school is not in session. Many school-age programs provide care during school vacation periods and holidays. School-age child care may be provided by child care centers, family child care homes, public schools, youth recreation groups, religious organizations, and other community groups. School-age programs are registered through the NYS Office of Children and Family Services and may be accredited through the National Afterschool Association.

Legally Exempt child care

Legally exempt child care is unlicensed, informal child care (sometimes referred to as family/friend/neighbor care). Families who receive a financial subsidy from the county and choose a family member, a close friend, or someone else they trust to care for their child are using Legally Exempt Child Care. Legally Exempt Child Care Providers must meet health & safety requirements as established by NYS OCFS. Comprehensive Background Checks are completed for any legally exempt non-relative child care program. Required pre-service training for non-relative providers:  5-hour Foundations in Health & Safety.  To complete the required training, please visit www.ecetp.pdp.albany.edu.

NURSERY SCHOOLS

Nursery schools are educational and social programs provided for three to five-year-old children for less than three hours per day, two to five times per week, often following a school-year schedule. Preschools that operate more than three hours per day are required to become licensed through the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. Preschools operated by public or private schools are exempt from licensing. Preschools may voluntarily register with the NYS Education Department, which sets guidelines for facility, staff, and program.