Training Opportunities
We offer a variety of training opportunities designed to support early childhood professionals in strengthening program quality, teaching practices, and child development knowledge.
Community Resources
Local organizations provide free or low-cost services such as parenting support, child care referrals, developmental resources, family activities, mental health support, and educational opportunities.
CCFS-Inspection-Checklist-GFDC
For those interested in becoming an in-home licensed group family child care provider, please click on the link above to view an inspection checklist of items that will need to be in compliance before you can obtain a license.
For those interested in becoming a licensed day care center, please click on the link above to view an inspection checklist of items that will need to be in compliance before you can obtain a license.
CCFS-Inspection-Checklist-FDC
For those interested in becoming an in-home registered family day care provider, please click on the link above to view an inspection checklist of items that will need to be in compliance before you can obtain a registration.
Business & Administration Guidance
Whether you are interested in starting a family child care home or a child care center, these resources can help. They will guide you through the steps you need to take to open and run a successful, high-quality child care program.
Voice of Organized Independent Childcare Educators (CSEA/VOICE)
The New York State child care union, made up of and working for family child care providers from across New York State, organized to build power to take on the challenges facing us and the children and families we serve.
Early Childhood
Leadership Initiative
Western New York
The Early Childhood Leadership Initiative supports early childhood directors, administrators, family child care providers, and any early childhood professional who aspires to grow in the early childhood field.
Dear Provider Notifications
For providers seeking important updates, regulatory guidance, and official communication from OCFS, please click on the link above to access Dear Provider letters. These documents outline policy changes, compliance expectations, and best practices to support the operation of your child care program.
Regulations
For providers looking to apply for, manage, or update their child care program information, please click on the link above to access the Facility Application and Management System (FAMS). This online system allows you to submit applications, track the status of your program, and maintain compliance with OCFS requirements.
Facility Application and Management System (FAMS)
For providers looking to apply for, manage, or update their child care program information, please click on the link above to access the Facility Application and Management System (FAMS). This online system allows you to submit applications, track the status of your program, and maintain compliance with OCFS requirements.
NYS Early Learning Guidelines
The New York State Early Learning Guidelines give educators information about developmental milestones and specific instructional, environmental and family engagement strategies you can use to support young children’s development.
The Core Body of Knowledge
The Core Body of Knowledge: New York State’s Core Competencies for Early Childhood Educators is a resource that provides a comprehensive outline of the knowledge and skills required to be an effective early childhood educator. New York State uses the Core Body of Knowledge to align professional learning experiences for early childhood educators.
NYS Prekindergarten Learning Standards
The New York State Resource Guides for School Success in Early Learning are grade-specific resources that consolidate all learning standards into one comprehensive document that provides a uniform format to make them easily accessible for teachers, specialists, administrators and parents.
Developmentally Appropriate Practice
Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) is an early childhood education framework designed to promote optimal learning and development. Outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), it requires educators to make intentional, strengths-based, and play-based decisions that meet children where they are developmentally, culturally, and individually
