Information for Parents
Find Child Care
There are many different types of child care programs to choose from in New York City. Among other things, these programs vary in location, ages and number of children, and requirements for staff qualifications.
Informal Child Care
- Usually located in a home
- For children of all ages
- Less than three (3) children allowed, in addition to provider’s own children
- Providers are not required to register because they are legally exempt
Center-based (Group) Child Care
- Is not located in a home
- For children from birth to six (6) years old
- Three (3) or more children allowed
- Must have an educational director
- Teachers must have a degree in early childhood education or related studies, or the
required minimum child care training.
- Regulated by NYC Health Code Article 47
Family Day Care
- Located in the home
- For children ages six (6) weeks to 12 years old
- Three (3) to eight (8) children allowed
- Must have at least two (2) years experience caring
for children under 6 years old, OR one (1) year experience plus six (6) hours of training in
early childhood development.
- Regulated by NYS Social Services Law Section 390 Part 417
Group Family Day Care
- Located in the home
- For children ages six (6) weeks to 12 years old
- Seven (7) to sixteen (16) children allowed
- Must have at least two (2) years experience caring for children under 6 years old, OR one (1) year
experience plus six (6) hours of training in early childhood development.
- Must have an assistant present with the same qualifications stated above.
- Regulated by NYS Social Services Law Section 390 Part 416
School-age Child Care (After-school)
- Located in a school or commercial facility
- For children from Kindergarten through 12 years old
- Seven (7) or more children allowed
- Must have a director and staff with at least a high school diploma and two (2) years experience working with children under 13 years old.
- Regulated by NYS Social Services Law Section 390 Part 414
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Find Child Care
You can search directories of licensed child care sites in your neighborhood and for help with choosing or paying for child care, click here. To make a complaint about a child care site, call 311.
Health Tips
Learn more about keeping your child healthy and help with paying for health care.
Safety Tips
See information on care, keeping your child safe at home and in child care .
Find Summer Camps
Search a directory of permitted summer camps and see tips on choosing an appropriate summer camp for your child.
ACCESS NYC
ACCESS NYC is a free service that identifies and screens for over 30 City, State and Federal human service benefit programs. You may also apply or renew online for some benefit programs at ACCESS NYC.
Get Help for Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence
Learn more and get help online or call the City's Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-621-HOPE.
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Last Updated: February 5, 2013
