For Providers
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
Q. What is the difference between Family Day Care and Group Family Day Care and how can I become a provider?
The basic difference between Family Day Care and Group Family Day Care is the number of children being cared for, program space and staffing requirements.
Family Day Care Provider is an independent business operator who is licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services to provide care for up to six children (including the provider’s own children) between the ages of 8 weeks and 12 years of age. A provider can care for no more than two children less than two years of age.
Group Family Child Care Provider is an independent business operator, licensed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Day Care to care for up to 12 children, in an approved residence with an adult assistant. A Group Family Child Care provider can care for no more than four children less than two years of age.
To find out more about: the application process to become a child care provider, provider qualifications, training requirements, financial assistance and other resources available to potential and existing providers, check out www.ocfs.state.ny.us and www.tsg.suny.edu or call the New York City Child Care Resource and Referral Consortium at 888-469-5999.
Q. What are the regulations regarding Informal Child Care in New York City?
Informal child care is usually provided by a relative, friend or neighbor. These providers are not required to be registered as long as they do not care for more than two children who are not related to them. Informal child care can be located in a provider’s home or in the child’s home. If the child care provider accepts children who are receiving subsidized child care allowances, they must comply with New York State regulations.
Q. What are the New York State Office of Children and Family Services regulations regarding licensed child care providers administering medication to children in their care?
As of January 31, 2005, regulations require all licensed/registered Child Care Providers, School – Age Programs, and Informal Providers who care for subsidized children that choose to administer medications, both prescribed and over the counter medications (except over-the counter ointments, sunscreens and topical insect repellants) are required to have staff and caregivers who have successfully completed the approved New York State Medication Administration Training (MAT), be at least 18 years of age and have a current certification in CPR and First Aid. In addition, each program must have a health care consultant to review and approve each child’s health care plan and provide on-going monitoring. To find out more about the regulation and to locate Medication Administration (MAT) Training, click here – www.tsg.suny.edu and www.ocfs.state.ny.us or call 888-469-5999.
Q. I am interested in learning about Family Child Care and Center-Based Program accreditation.
Accreditation is an opportunity for child care providers to assess the quality of their programs by demonstrating a commitment to reach beyond the minimum licensing requirements to achieve standards of excellence. Accreditation offers professional recognition and consumer distinction to providers who meet high standards. For more information about accreditation, click here www.nafcc.org , www.naeyc.org
Q. How can the Infant Toddler Specialists assist me?
Infant Toddler Specialists provide training both on-site and at the Child Care Resource and Referral offices on many topics such as: Infant Toddler Development, Curriculum Planning to Meet Group and Individual Needs, Setting Up the Environment for Infants and Toddlers, Promoting Language Development, Temperament and Early Relationships, Health and Safety for Infants and Toddlers, Nutrition, SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), Shaken Baby Syndrome , Setting Limits and Positive discipline, toilet training etc. You can also request a specific topic for training to fit your needs.
They provide technical assistance (phone/on-site) regarding regulatory requirements, program accreditation, and can assist you in assessing your program. The Specialists assist providers in finding information and materials that are available at all of the Child Care Resource and Referral Agency Resource Libraries. To contact the Infant Toddler Specialists:
Center for Children's Initiatives (formerly Child Care, Inc.)
Julia Travers
(212) 929-7604, Ext. 3011
jtravers@centerforchildrensinitiatives.org
www.centerforchildrensinitiatives.org
Day Care Council of New York, Inc.
I-Ling Tsai
(212) 206-7818, Ext. 116
I-LingTsai@dccnyinc.org
www.dccnyinc.org
Committee for Hispanic Children and Families, Inc.
Genine Tantao
(212) 206-1090 Ext. 321
gtantao@chcfinc.org
www.chcfinc.org
Chinese American Planning Council, Inc.
Serena Wong
(212) 931-0030 Ext. 248
SLau@cpc-nyc.org
www.childcarecpc.org
Child Development Support Corporation
Yvelisse Jimenez
(718) 230-0056, Ext. 8538
YJimenez@cdscnyc.org