OCFS TOPIC AREAS
While all ten training topic areas are recognized by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, not every topic area will apply equally to all caregiving settings or roles. The relevance of certain topics may vary depending on the type of program, the ages of children served, and individual staff responsibilities. However, child care providers and staff are still required to complete the minimum training hours mandated by New York State, ensuring ongoing professional development and continued compliance with training requirements. Providers are encouraged to select trainings that best support both their program needs and their professional growth while meeting these requirements.
OCFS 10 Topic Areas
The regulations of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services require all child care providers to have thirty (30) hours of training every two years. A minimum of five (5) hours of office-approved training must be obtained each year. This training must address the following topics:
01
Principles of Childhood Development
Understanding developmental stages of the children in care, including meeting children’s physical, social, and emotional needs. Topics may include behavior management, play and physical activity, individual learning styles, infant and toddler brain development, and supporting children with special needs.
02
Nutrition and Health Needs of Infants and Children
Topics may include healthy menu planning, prevention of childhood obesity, infectious disease control, breastfeeding support, CPR and First Aid, medication administration, health and safety practices, and safe sleep practices related to SIDS prevention.
03
Principles of Childhood Development
Focuses on creating nurturing, stimulating environments for children. Topics may include curriculum planning, promoting language and social-emotional development, continuity of care, mixed-age group care, and appropriate daily routines.
04
Safety and Security Procedures
Topics may include emergency preparedness and response procedures, fire safety, playground and outdoor safety, supervision of children during daily activities, safe arrival and departure practices, communication with families, and strategies for maintaining a secure environment that protects the well-being of all children in care.
05
Business Record Maintenance and Management
Topics may include record keeping and documentation requirements, maintaining attendance and enrollment records, scheduling and time management, staff supervision and communication, and understanding business responsibilities and regulatory expectations for child care providers.
06
Child Abuse and Maltreatment Identification and Prevention
Child abuse and maltreatment identification and prevention includes such things as reporting protocol; how to make a report to the state central register, documenting incidents and daily health checks; child abuse policy/procedure, including a safety plan.
07
Statutes and Regulations Pertaining to Child Day Care
Topics may include emergency preparedness and response procedures, fire safety, playground and outdoor safety, supervision of children during daily activities, safe arrival and departure practices, communication with families, and strategies for maintaining a secure environment that protects the well-being of all children in care.
08
Business Record Maintenance and Management
Topics may include record keeping and documentation requirements, maintaining attendance and enrollment records, scheduling and time management, staff supervision and communication, and understanding business responsibilities and regulatory expectations for child care providers.
09
Identification and Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome
Topics may include recognizing signs and symptoms of abusive head trauma, responding to infant crying in safe and developmentally appropriate ways, and promoting safe caregiving practices that protect infants from injury.
10
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Topics may include understanding the impact of trauma and adverse childhood experiences on child development and behavior, recognizing signs of stress or trauma in young children, supporting social and emotional development, building resilience through nurturing relationships, and creating safe, supportive environments that help children feel secure and able to thrive.
