New York childcare licensing is administered by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). Daycare centers serving 7 or more children must be registered or licensed with OCFS. New York City programs are additionally regulated by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). S.8349 (2025) created the Empire State Child Care Workforce Bonus program paying licensed center staff annual retention bonuses.
| Age Group | Staff : Children | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (under 6 weeks–12 months) | 1:4 | 8 |
| Toddlers (12–18 months) | 1:4 | 8 |
| 18 months–3 years | 1:5 | 10 |
| Preschool (3–4 years) | 1:7 | 14 |
| 4–5 years | 1:8 | 16 |
| School age | 1:10 | 20 |
Enrollment Form
Complete enrollment with child information and emergency contacts.
Immunization Records
Current immunization records per NYSDOH schedule required on file.
Medical/Health Assessment
Physician-signed health report required within 30 days of enrollment.
Emergency Contact Information
Names and phone numbers of emergency contacts and authorized pickup persons.
Emergency Medical Authorization
Parental consent for emergency medical care.
Allergy and Dietary Information
Documentation of any food allergies or special dietary needs.
Proof of Age
Birth certificate or other acceptable documentation of child's date of birth.
Medication AuthorizationConditional
Written parental authorization for any medication to be administered.
Exemption Policy
Medical exemptions only. New York eliminated religious exemptions for school and childcare enrollment in 2019.
Minimum Age
18 years
Background Check
Statewide Central Register (SCR) clearance, Justice Center check, and fingerprint-based criminal background check required for all staff.
Lead Teacher Education
Group Teacher must hold a CDA credential, or associate's or bachelor's degree in ECE or related field.
Assistant Education
High school diploma or GED required. Must complete OCFS-required pre-service training.
CPR / First Aid
Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification required. At least one certified staff member on-site at all times.
Continuing Education
30 hours of professional development annually required for all staff.
Director Qualifications
Director must hold a bachelor's degree in ECE or related field plus supervisory experience, per OCFS standards.
Inspection Frequency
At least two unannounced inspections annually. NYC programs also subject to DOHMH inspections.
License Renewal
Annual license renewal required.
Application Process
Contact OCFS regional office to begin the application process. NYC programs additionally contact NYC DOHMH.
Licensing Fee
Varies by capacity. Contact OCFS for current fee schedule.
Daycare Enrollment Forms Checklist: Every Document You Need Per Child
The complete list of documents required per child, with state-specific variations.
How to Prepare for a Daycare Licensing Inspection
Step-by-step checklist covering child files, staff records, ratios, and facility safety.
Staff-to-Child Ratios by State: The Complete Comparison
Compare infant, toddler, and preschool ratio requirements across all 50 states.
Daycare Immunization Requirements by State
Required vaccines and exemption policies — medical only, religious, or philosophical.
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