Obtaining a home child care license is easier than you might think, especially if you follow these simple directions. In order to obtain a license, you should:
- Call your local Department of Health (DOH) office.
- Ask for either a family day care application or a group family day care application. Family day care providers are considered registered and can have between six and eight children in their homes depending on space and a determination made by an inspector from DOH’s Bureau of Child Care. Group family day care providers are considered licensed and can have between 10 and 16 children in their homes depending on space and a determination made by an inspector from DOH’s Bureau of Child Care. The application will be sent to the address of your child care program; the application cannot be sent to any other address.
- Get your fingerprints. Schedule an appointment by going to L1enrollment.com or by calling 877-472-6915. Remember to fill out and bring a Request for NYS Fingerprinting Services Information Form to your appointment.
- Complete your 15-hour health and safety competency training. This training must be completed in order to become a licensed or registered provider. You can register for your training at the Trainers and Professional Development Web site.
- Do not spend any money acquiring supplies for your program until after you pass your required DOH inspection. Once your inspection is completed, you can begin caring for children in your home child care program!
If you have any questions about obtaining a license — or encounter any problems along the way — visit the website of the state Office for Children and Family Services (OCFS). OFCS is the mandating agency for all family child care providers.