Becoming a Child Care Provider

Have questions about becoming a licensed or registered child care provider?

Becoming a child care provider in New York involves understanding the different types of programs, meeting training and safety requirements, and completing the appropriate registration or licensing steps so you can legally care for children and, if applicable, receive subsidy payments.

Follow these steps to…

Begin Your Child Care Journey Today!

Enroll & Complete the OCFS Intro to Child Care

Contact Child Care Clearinghouse of Niagara

Complete any required tasks from our specialist

” Quality child care is an essential service that helps to form the economic backbone of New York State. “

Resources for Providers

This section offers a variety of tools, guidance, and information to support child care programs in delivering safe, high-quality care. From health and safety requirements, lead screening, and carbon monoxide detector guidance, to health care plans, allergy policies, and lending library materials, these resources help providers meet state regulations and best practices. Our Development Specialists are also available to provide personalized support, coaching, and training, helping providers strengthen program quality, enhance learning environments, and ensure the well-being and development of every child in their care.

Children and women sharing a heartwarming group hug indoors, expressing love and diversity.

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.

A serene backyard scene with a caregiver holding her child while other kids play in the background with another adult.

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.

A mother with her infant daughter in a apartment

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.

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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.

Group of preschool children playing with clay at a blue table in a classroom.

For those interested in becoming a registered school-age child care program, 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.

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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.

Logo of Community Child Care Clearinghouse of Niagara featuring black text. A orange pencil is inline with the text, separating the words Community Child Care Clearinghouse and of Niagara.

United to Promote Quality

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