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Group Child Care (Center-based) — Information for Operators

Group child care (center-based) provides care to three or more children, under 6 years of age, for five or more hours per week. These types of facilities operate for more than 30 days in a 12-month period. They may be located anywhere, except a private residence.

The NYC Health Department compliance guides below will help you follow the law and assure families that you are protecting and promoting their children's safety, health and early education.

If you are starting a new program, you must attend a pre-permit orientation (check the box next to “Group Child Care and Summer Camp Orientation Sessions”, then click “Continue” at the bottom of the page) before applying for a new permit. After you have attended that orientation, you can apply for a permit for a new child care program.

Programs must renew their permit every two years. If you need technical assistance submitting your online application, complete a technical assistance request.

Forms, Guides and Other Helpful Documents

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Background Check Requests

Background check requests for group child care must be submitted to the NYC Health Department using an online form. This process replaces the A-Series and B-Series forms, which are no longer accepted.

The forms and instructions are available on the page linked below. Be sure to select the correct type of program you operate because your submission will be delayed or rejected if you submit the incorrect form:

Child Care Performance Summary Card

Necessary Qualifications and Training Requirements

Attendance, Supervision and Trip Requirements

Safe Sleep

Written Safety Plan

Medical Care

Nutrition and Physical Activity

Orientation for Parents Upon Enrollment

After parents enroll their child in a program, operators must provide them with information on the program’s policies and procedures for supervision, attendance, admission, discharge, emergencies and illness management.

Parents must also be provided with:

Fire Safety

Lead Paint Poisoning Prevention

Kitchen and Food Handling Safety

Facilities

Additional Resources

More Information