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State University of New York, Minerva logo State University of New York, Minerva logo Professional Development Program Rockefeller College University at Albany State University of New York

Early Childhood Education and Training Program

Child Day Care Orientation

The Office of Children and Family Services provides support for people and organizations that are interested in starting child day care programs in their communities. As a general rule, any child day care program planning to serve three or more children for more than three hours a day on a regular basis must obtain a license or registration. To obtain this document, the applicant must show that the child day care program meets requirements that the state has established to help promote the health and safety of children in care.

In order to obtain an application to apply for a child care program license or registration potential child care providers will first need to take Child Day Care Orientation. This orientation will walk prospective providers through the information they need to know to determine if they are interested and able to start a child care program in New York State.

PLEASE NOTE: By viewing this course here you will NOT be able to request an application at the end of the course. If you are viewing in a group setting your facilitator will need to make the request for an application on your behalf. If you wish to view the course and submit an application please go to the OCFS website at ocfs.ny.gov

09/25/19 update on Comprehensive Background Checks

Beginning September 25th, 2019 child care providers in a child day care center, small day care center, school-age child care program, group family day care home, or family day care will be subject to comprehensive background checks.

Watch this video to learn more: Comprehensive Background Checks for Licensed/Registered Child Care Individuals.

Technical Requirements

Welcome to Child Day Care Orientation.

For best results:

  • Use speakers or headphones to listen to the audio.
  • Internet Explorer 8 or greater is the recommended web browser.

Before you begin, here are a couple of quick tips:

  • Each video will open on a new page.
  • Be sure to click the play icon and watch the entire video.
  • If you have questions regarding this Orientation, please contact your Regional Office.

Find Out If You Need to be Licensed or Registered to Provide Child Day Care in New York State

Do I Need to be Licensed or Registered? (FDC, GFDC, DCC)

  1. How Can I Tell Whether Or Not A Program Needs To Be Licensed Or Registered By OCFS?
  2. Modality Types
  3. Exceptions

Transcript in Spanish: Do I Need to be Licensed or Registered? (FDC, GFDC, DCC)

Do I Need to be Licensed or Registered? (School-Age Childcare)

  1. School-Age Programs
  2. Single Purpose Programs
  3. Enrollment

Transcript in Spanish: Do I Need to be Licensed or Registered? (School-Age Childcare)

General Orientation

  1. Introduction
  2. Starting a Program
  3. Is There a Need?
  4. Location and Inspections
  5. Inspection and Costs
  6. Group and Staff Qualifications
  7. Medication and Emergency Planning
  8. Safety and Program Planning
  9. Families
  10. Paperwork
  11. Americans with Disabilities Act
  12. Conclusion

Transcript in Spanish: General Orientation

Family Day Care Orientation

  1. Introduction
  2. Application
  3. Others in Your Program
  4. Training
  5. Environmental Safety
  6. Emergency Planning
  7. Program Planning
  8. Relationships with Families

Transcript in Spanish: Family Day Care Orientation

Group Family Day Care Orientation

  1. Introduction
  2. Application
  3. Others in Your Program
  4. Training
  5. Environmental Safety
  6. Emergency Planning
  7. Program Planning
  8. Relationships with Families

Transcript in Spanish: Group Family Day Care Orientation

Day Care Center Orientation

  1. Introduction
  2. Inspections
  3. Role of the Regional Office
  4. Building and Physical Requirements
  5. Fire Safety
  6. Safety
  7. Program Planning
  8. Staff Qualifications
  9. Educational Qualifications and Group Sizes
  10. Child Abuse and Maltreatment Reporting
  11. Training
  12. Health and Infection Control
  13. Americans with Disabilities Act
  14. Nutrition
  15. Transportation
  16. Conclusion

Transcript in Spanish: Day Care Center Orientation

School-Age Child Care Orientation

  1. Introduction
  2. Procedures for applying for a Registration
  3. Role of the Regulator
  4. Building and Physical Requirements
  5. Fire Safety
  6. Safety
  7. Program Planning
  8. Staff Qualifications
  9. Educational Qualifications and Group Sizes
  10. Supervision
  11. Child Abuse and Maltreatment Reporting
  12. Training
  13. Health and Infection Control
  14. Americans with Disabilities Act
  15. Nutrition
  16. Transportation
  17. Conclusion

Transcript in Spanish: School-Age Child Care Orientation


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