Frequently Asked Questions
In general, families are eligible for financial assistance if they meet the state’s income guidelines and need child care to work, look for work, or attend employment training. Your county Department of Social Services determines family eligibility based on income, reasons for needing day care, and your child’s age and individual needs. Please visit https://www.monroecounty.gov/hs-daycare for more information.
Group Family Day Care, Small Day Care Centers and Child Day Care Centers are issued a license. Family Day Care and School Aged Child Care Programs are issued registrations.
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services has regulations that govern the minimum requirements for all modalities of child care. These requirements have been developed in accordance with NYS Social Services Law 390, to protect the health and safety of children. For a complete list of regulations for each modality of child care visit the OCFS website http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/childcare/daycare_regs.asp You can also call the Child Care Council, Inc for further information. We can answer your questions and offer technical assistance.
Like every professional, the child care provider must continue to strengthen their skills. In fact, ongoing training and professional development is a requirement for maintaining a license or registration. OCFS supports a variety of mechanisms to assist you in meeting your training requirements. Some Legally Exempt providers may also need to complete training requirements.
How you meet your child care training requirements is up to you. Visit our professional development page for more information. You can also visit the Early Childhood Education and Training Program https://www.ecetp.pdp.albany.edu/findtraining.aspx?Prog=EL
If you suspect child abuse or maltreatment, call the Mandated Reporter Hotline at 1.800.635.1522 or the Statewide Central Register at 1.800.342.3720. An official will inspect the facility within 24 hours if there’s suspected imminent danger to children, or within a specific timeframe for other regulatory complaints.
Other types of legal care include:
Nursery Schools Provide care for three hours a day or less. In New York City, the City Department of Health regulates these programs. A nursery school may voluntarily register with the State Education Department (SED).
Pre-Kindergartens Usually located in public schools, but can also be found in private schools or day care centers; supervised by the SED.
Head Start Centers Targeted for preschool-age children from low income families; federally funded and usually licensed as Day Care Centers.
Summer/Day Camps Summer camps are regulated by the Department of Health and must have a permit from the state, city, or county health department. Summer Camps must meet state health regulations and the permit must be displayed. They must also be inspected twice a year by a health department representative, at least one time while the camp is in operation. You can access more information about summer camps at: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/camps/ Not all summer programs for children qualify as children’s camps. For information on Summer Camps and what parents should know, visit the Department of Health Website: https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/3601/ .
Application requests are valid for 6 months. Once you submit your application and it has been received by the office, you will have 90 days to complete all remaining requirements such as background checks and inspections of the program site.
The NYS Office of Children and Family Services has regulations that govern the minimum requirements for all modalities of child care. These requirements have been developed in accordance with NYS Social Services Law 390, to protect the health and safety of children. For a complete list of regulations for each modality of child care visit the OCFS website.
In New York State, Group Family Day Care, Small Day Care Centers and Child Day Care Centers are issued a license. Family Day Care and School Aged Child Care Programs are issued registrations. Legally Exempt programs are considered Enrolled.
Yes, Legally Exempt child care is legal and recognized by New York State. Legally Exempt child care providers are not registered or licensed by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). Providers who care for children receiving a child care subsidy from the Department of Social Services must meet basic health and safety regulations and are enrolled by Child Care Council.
Legally Exempt providers care for children in a residence or home.
The amount paid by the county (in instances where subsidy is present) and/or by the parent(s) depends on a number of factors. For more information, you may contact us or the Monroe County Child Care Assistance Program.