Have questions about Choosing Child Care?
A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Child Care Options in New York State
Choosing child care is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Every child and every family is unique, and understanding your options can help you feel confident in your choice.
In New York State, child care programs are regulated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to help ensure children are cared for in safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate environments. Below, you’ll find an overview of program types, supervision ratios, and important quality indicators to consider when selecting care for your child.
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Day Care Center (Birth – Pre-K)
A center-based program located in a commercial building, school, or community space that serves children from infancy through preschool. Children are typically grouped by age (infants, toddlers, preschoolers), and there are multiple teachers and a director on-site. These programs follow specific classroom ratios and group size limits based on age.
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Family Day Care Home
Child care is provided in a provider’s home for a small, mixed-age group of children. This setting offers a home-like environment and is often chosen by families looking for smaller group sizes.
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School-Age Child Care (SACC)
Programs designed for children enrolled in kindergarten and older. Care is typically offered before and/or after school, and often during school breaks or summer.
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Day Care Center (Birth – Age 3)
A center-based setting that focuses specifically on infants and toddlers. These programs are designed to support early attachment, developmental milestones, and responsive caregiving for children under age three.
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Group Family Day Care Home
Also located in a provider’s home, but with an assistant present. This allows for a slightly larger group of children while still maintaining a home-based, mixed-age setting.
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Legally Exempt Child Care
Care provided by a relative, neighbor, or babysitter who is not required to be licensed by the state. Some legally exempt providers may enroll with the state to accept child care subsidies, but they are not regulated in the same way as licensed programs.
Types of Child Care
Explore research from Child Care Aware of America to understand the different types of child care settings available to families, including home-based care, center-based programs, family child care homes, and other licensed care options. This resource helps parents compare care environments, learn how they operate, and make informed decisions about the best fit for their child and family needs.
Day Care Centers
Day Care Centers in New York State are licensed programs that operate in facilities outside of a personal residence. These programs are regulated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and must follow specific health, safety, staffing, and supervision requirements. Below is an overview of how ratios and group sizes are structured in center-based care.
Infant & Toddler Ratios
Infants and toddlers require close supervision and consistent, hands-on care throughout the day. In New York State, licensed day care centers must follow strict staff-to-child ratios for younger age groups to promote safety, active supervision, and individualized attention during all daily activities.
Ratio Sizes for B-3:
When children of mixed ages are grouped together, the ratio for the youngest child must be followed.
- Infants (6 weeks–18 months):
- 1 Adult:4 Children
- (Max group size 8)
- 1 Adult:4 Children
- Toddlers (18–36 months):
- 1 Adult: 5 Children
- (Max group size 12)
- 1 Adult: 5 Children
Preschool Ratios
Preschool-aged children are becoming more independent but still require structured supervision and guidance. In New York State, licensed day care centers must maintain age-appropriate staff-to-child ratios to support classroom management, learning activities, and a safe, well-supervised environment.
Ratio Sizes for 3-4
When children of mixed ages are grouped together, the ratio for the youngest child must be followed.
- Children 3 years:
- 1 Adult: 7 Children
- (Max group size 18)
- 1 Adult: 7 Children
- Children 4 years:
- 1 Adult: 8 Children
- (Max group size 21)
- 1 Adult: 8 Children
School-Age Ratios
School-age children participate in more independent and group-based activities but still require consistent oversight. In New York State, licensed day care centers must follow established staff-to-child ratios to ensure safety, proper supervision, and structured programming during non-school hours.
Ratio Sizes for 5-12
When children of mixed ages are grouped together, the ratio for the youngest child must be followed.
- Children 5–9 years old:
- 1 Adult:10 Children
- (Max group size 20)
- 1 Adult:10 Children
- Children 10–12 years old:
- 1 Adult: 15 Children
- (Max group size 30)
- 1 Adult: 15 Children
These printable tools are designed to guide parents through child care visits and help them know what questions to ask. The checklists cover important areas such as health and safety practices, supervision, learning environments, staff qualifications, and family communication. Bringing a checklist with you can make tours feel more organized and ensure you don’t forget to ask about key quality indicators.
To help families make informed decisions, we encourage them to use the free checklists from Child Care Aware of America.
Explore the checklist that matches the type of care you are considering below.
Day Care Center Visit Checklists
Choosing Quality Center-Based Child Care on Short Notice
Short Notice Checklist
This checklist can help you choose a child care provider or program if you do not have a lot of time. Use the questions as your guide during a phone interview (or, if possible, an in-person visit). The explanations can help you learn what to listen or look for in response to each question no matter what type of child care you choose.
Choosing Quality Center-Based Child Care for Day Care Centers
General Center Checklist
Child care centers serve children in group settings and must meet health, safety, supervision, and program standards. The Child Care Center Checklist, developed by Child Care Aware of America, helps families evaluate key areas such as licensing status, staff-to-child ratios, safe sleep practices, emergency preparedness, learning environments, caregiver interactions, and written policies. This tool guides parents in asking informed questions during program visits and comparing programs based on quality indicators and best practice recommendations.
Choosing Quality Center-Based Child Care for Children with Disabilities and High Support Needs
Accessibility Checklist
Are you looking for child care for a child with a disability or who needs a high level of support? Interviewing potential child care educators can help you learn whether they may be able to meet your child’s unique needs. This checklist can guide you in using what you know about your child to think through what safe and quality child care looks like for them. Use this resource to help you begin a conversation with potential early childhood and out-of-school-time educators. While it may not address all your questions or concerns, this checklist can help you learn about and discuss expectations with your child’s future child care educator(s).
Family Child Care Homes
Family Day Care Providers care for up to six children at a time in a residence. They may add one to two school-age children (the maximum allowable number depends on the children’s ages). Family Child Care Centers are registered by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). Registered providers may provide overnight care as long as they are in compliance with New York State Regulation 417.3(c), 417.7 (a), and 417.8 (a).
Infant & Toddler Ratios
Infants and toddlers require close supervision and consistent, hands-on care throughout the day. In New York State, licensed day care centers must follow strict staff-to-child ratios for younger age groups to promote safety, active supervision, and individualized attention during all daily activities.
Ratio Sizes for B-3:
When children of mixed ages are grouped together, the ratio for the youngest child must be followed.
- Infants (6 weeks–18 months):
- 1 Adult:4 Children
- (Max group size 8)
- 1 Adult:4 Children
- Toddlers (18–36 months):
- 1 Adult: 5 Children
- (Max group size 12)
- 1 Adult: 5 Children
Preschool Ratios
Preschool-aged children are becoming more independent but still require structured supervision and guidance. In New York State, licensed day care centers must maintain age-appropriate staff-to-child ratios to support classroom management, learning activities, and a safe, well-supervised environment.
Ratio Sizes for 3-4
When children of mixed ages are grouped together, the ratio for the youngest child must be followed.
- Children 3 years:
- 1 Adult: 7 Children
- (Max group size 18)
- 1 Adult: 7 Children
- Children 4 years:
- 1 Adult: 8 Children
- (Max group size 21)
- 1 Adult: 8 Children
School-Age Ratios
School-age children participate in more independent and group-based activities but still require consistent oversight. In New York State, licensed day care centers must follow established staff-to-child ratios to ensure safety, proper supervision, and structured programming during non-school hours.
Ratio Sizes for 5-12
When children of mixed ages are grouped together, the ratio for the youngest child must be followed.
- Children 5–9 years old:
- 1 Adult:10 Children
- (Max group size 20)
- 1 Adult:10 Children
- Children 10–12 years old:
- 1 Adult: 15 Children
- (Max group size 30)
- 1 Adult: 15 Children
These printable tools are designed to guide parents through child care visits and help them know what questions to ask. The checklists cover important areas such as health and safety practices, supervision, learning environments, staff qualifications, and family communication. Bringing a checklist with you can make tours feel more organized and ensure you don’t forget to ask about key quality indicators.
To help families make informed decisions, we encourage them to use the free checklists from Child Care Aware of America.
Explore the checklist that matches the type of care you are considering below.
Family Child Care Home Visit Checklists
Choosing Quality Child Care on Short Notice
Short Notice Checklist
This checklist can help you choose a child care provider or program if you do not have a lot of time. Use the questions as your guide during a phone interview (or, if possible, an in-person visit). The explanations can help you learn what to listen to or look for in response to each question, no matter what type of child care you choose.
Choosing Quality Child Care for Family Day Care Centers
General Center Checklist
Family Child care homes provide care in a smaller, home-based setting, often with mixed-age groups and more individualized attention. The Family Child Care Checklist, developed by
Child Care Aware of America,
helps families review important quality indicators, including licensing status, supervision practices, safe sleep procedures, emergency preparedness, learning environments, caregiver qualifications, and written policies. This tool supports parents in asking informed questions during visits and evaluating whether a home-based program meets safety standards and developmental best practices.
Choosing Quality Child Care for Children with Disabilities and High Support Needs
Accessibility Checklist
Are you looking for child care for a child with a disability or who needs a high level of support? Interviewing potential child care educators can help you learn whether they may be able to meet your child’s unique needs. This checklist can guide you in using what you know about your child to think through what safe and quality child care looks like for them. Use this resource to help you begin a conversation with potential early childhood and out-of-school-time educators. While it may not address all your questions or concerns, this checklist can help you learn about and discuss expectations with your child’s future child care educator(s).
Group Family Child Care Homes
Group Family Child Care Homes are licensed programs that operate in a provider’s residence and allow for larger group sizes with additional staff support. In New York State, these programs are regulated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and must follow specific requirements related to supervision, staffing, and group size to ensure children’s safety and well-being. Group Family Day Care Providers care for up to 12 children at a time in a residence and may add one to two school-age children. A provider must use an assistant when more than six children are present.
Infant & Toddler Ratios
Infants and toddlers require close supervision and consistent, hands-on care throughout the day. In New York State, licensed day care centers must follow strict staff-to-child ratios for younger age groups to promote safety, active supervision, and individualized attention during all daily activities.
Ratio Sizes for B-3:
When children of mixed ages are grouped together, the ratio for the youngest child must be followed.
- Infants (6 weeks–18 months):
- 1 Adult:4 Children
- (Max group size 8)
- 1 Adult:4 Children
- Toddlers (18–36 months):
- 1 Adult: 5 Children
- (Max group size 12)
- 1 Adult: 5 Children
Preschool Ratios
Preschool-aged children are becoming more independent but still require structured supervision and guidance. In New York State, licensed day care centers must maintain age-appropriate staff-to-child ratios to support classroom management, learning activities, and a safe, well-supervised environment.
Ratio Sizes for 3-4
When children of mixed ages are grouped together, the ratio for the youngest child must be followed.
- Children 3 years:
- 1 Adult: 7 Children
- (Max group size 18)
- 1 Adult: 7 Children
- Children 4 years:
- 1 Adult: 8 Children
- (Max group size 21)
- 1 Adult: 8 Children
School-Age Ratios
School-age children participate in more independent and group-based activities but still require consistent oversight. In New York State, licensed day care centers must follow established staff-to-child ratios to ensure safety, proper supervision, and structured programming during non-school hours.
Ratio Sizes for 5-12
When children of mixed ages are grouped together, the ratio for the youngest child must be followed.
- Children 5–9 years old:
- 1 Adult:10 Children
- (Max group size 20)
- 1 Adult:10 Children
- Children 10–12 years old:
- 1 Adult: 15 Children
- (Max group size 30)
- 1 Adult: 15 Children
These printable tools are designed to guide parents through child care visits and help them know what questions to ask. The checklists cover important areas such as health and safety practices, supervision, learning environments, staff qualifications, and family communication. Bringing a checklist with you can make tours feel more organized and ensure you don’t forget to ask about key quality indicators.
To help families make informed decisions, we encourage them to use the free checklists from Child Care Aware of America.
Explore the checklist that matches the type of care you are considering below.
Group Family Child Care Home Visit Checklists
Choosing Quality Child Care on Short Notice
Short Notice Checklist
This checklist can help you choose a child care provider or program if you do not have a lot of time. Use the questions as your guide during a phone interview (or, if possible, an in-person visit). The explanations can help you learn what to listen to or look for in response to each question, no matter what type of child care you choose.
Choosing Quality Child Care for Group Family Day Care Centers
General Center Checklist
Family Child care homes provide care in a smaller, home-based setting, often with mixed-age groups and more individualized attention. The Family Child Care Checklist, developed by
Child Care Aware of America,
helps families review important quality indicators, including licensing status, supervision practices, safe sleep procedures, emergency preparedness, learning environments, caregiver qualifications, and written policies. This tool supports parents in asking informed questions during visits and evaluating whether a home-based program meets safety standards and developmental best practices.
Choosing Quality Child Care for Children with Disabilities and High Support Needs
Accessibility Checklist
Are you looking for child care for a child with a disability or who needs a high level of support? Interviewing potential child care educators can help you learn whether they may be able to meet your child’s unique needs. This checklist can guide you in using what you know about your child to think through what safe and quality child care looks like for them. Use this resource to help you begin a conversation with potential early childhood and out-of-school-time educators. While it may not address all your questions or concerns, this checklist can help you learn about and discuss expectations with your child’s future child care educator(s).
School-Age Child Care Programs
School-Age Child Care Programs in New York State provide care for children from Kindergarten through age 12 during non-school hours, including before and after school, holidays, and school breaks. These programs are regulated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and must follow specific supervision and group size requirements to ensure children remain safe and properly supervised.
Infant & Toddler Ratios
Infants and toddlers require close supervision and consistent, hands-on care throughout the day. In New York State, licensed day care centers must follow strict staff-to-child ratios for younger age groups to promote safety, active supervision, and individualized attention during all daily activities.
Ratio Sizes for B-3:
When children of mixed ages are grouped together, the ratio for the youngest child must be followed.
- Infants (6 weeks–18 months):
- 1 Adult:4 Children
- (Max group size 8)
- 1 Adult:4 Children
- Toddlers (18–36 months):
- 1 Adult: 5 Children
- (Max group size 12)
- 1 Adult: 5 Children
Preschool Ratios
Preschool-aged children are becoming more independent but still require structured supervision and guidance. In New York State, licensed day care centers must maintain age-appropriate staff-to-child ratios to support classroom management, learning activities, and a safe, well-supervised environment.
Ratio Sizes for 3-4
When children of mixed ages are grouped together, the ratio for the youngest child must be followed.
- Children 3 years:
- 1 Adult: 7 Children
- (Max group size 18)
- 1 Adult: 7 Children
- Children 4 years:
- 1 Adult: 8 Children
- (Max group size 21)
- 1 Adult: 8 Children
School-Age Ratios
School-age children participate in more independent and group-based activities but still require consistent oversight. In New York State, licensed day care centers must follow established staff-to-child ratios to ensure safety, proper supervision, and structured programming during non-school hours.
Ratio Sizes for 5-12
When children of mixed ages are grouped together, the ratio for the youngest child must be followed.
- Children 5–9 years old:
- 1 Adult:10 Children
- (Max group size 20)
- 1 Adult:10 Children
- Children 10–12 years old:
- 1 Adult: 15 Children
- (Max group size 30)
- 1 Adult: 15 Children
These printable tools are designed to guide parents through child care visits and help them know what questions to ask. The checklists cover important areas such as health and safety practices, supervision, learning environments, staff qualifications, and family communication. Bringing a checklist with you can make tours feel more organized and ensure you don’t forget to ask about key quality indicators.
To help families make informed decisions, we encourage them to use the free checklists from Child Care Aware of America.
Explore the checklist that matches the type of care you are considering below.
School-Age Child Care Visit Checklists
Choosing Quality Child Care on Short Notice
Short Notice Checklist
This checklist can help you choose a child care provider or program if you do not have a lot of time. Use the questions as your guide during a phone interview (or, if possible, an in-person visit). The explanations can help you learn what to listen to or look for in response to each question, no matter what type of child care you choose.
Choosing Quality Child Care for School-Age Child Care Centers
General Center Checklist
School-Age Family Child Care Homes provide care for children before and after school, as well as during school breaks, in a provider’s residence. These programs often include mixed-age groups of school-age children, allowing for peer interaction and mentorship opportunities. The School-Age Care Checklist from Child Care Aware of America helps families evaluate important aspects such as supervision, safety practices, staff qualifications, learning and enrichment activities, and communication with families. Using this checklist allows parents to make informed decisions and feel confident about the quality of care in a home-based setting for school-age children.
Choosing Quality Child Care for Children with Disabilities and High Support Needs
Accessibility Checklist
Are you looking for child care for a child with a disability or who needs a high level of support? Interviewing potential child care educators can help you learn whether they may be able to meet your child’s unique needs. This checklist can guide you in using what you know about your child to think through what safe and quality child care looks like for them. Use this resource to help you begin a conversation with potential early childhood and out-of-school-time educators. While it may not address all your questions or concerns, this checklist can help you learn about and discuss expectations with your child’s future child care educator(s).
Legally-Exempt Child Care Providers
Legally Exempt Child Care Providers are required to enroll with the Community Child Care Clearinghouse of Niagara at 1521 Main St., Niagara Falls, NY 14305. Legally Exempt Child Care refers to child care arrangements that are not required to be licensed or registered under New York State law. While these providers may care for children legally, they are not regulated in the same way as licensed or registered programs. Families choosing legally exempt care should carefully review supervision, safety practices, and overall program structure.
Infant & Toddler Ratios
Infants and toddlers require close supervision and consistent, hands-on care throughout the day. In New York State, licensed day care centers must follow strict staff-to-child ratios for younger age groups to promote safety, active supervision, and individualized attention during all daily activities.
Ratio Sizes for B-3:
When children of mixed ages are grouped together, the ratio for the youngest child must be followed.
- Infants (6 weeks–18 months):
- 1 Adult:4 Children
- (Max group size 8)
- 1 Adult:4 Children
- Toddlers (18–36 months):
- 1 Adult: 5 Children
- (Max group size 12)
- 1 Adult: 5 Children
Preschool Ratios
Preschool-aged children are becoming more independent but still require structured supervision and guidance. In New York State, licensed day care centers must maintain age-appropriate staff-to-child ratios to support classroom management, learning activities, and a safe, well-supervised environment.
Ratio Sizes for 3-4
When children of mixed ages are grouped together, the ratio for the youngest child must be followed.
- Children 3 years:
- 1 Adult: 7 Children
- (Max group size 18)
- 1 Adult: 7 Children
- Children 4 years:
- 1 Adult: 8 Children
- (Max group size 21)
- 1 Adult: 8 Children
School-Age Ratios
School-age children participate in more independent and group-based activities but still require consistent oversight. In New York State, licensed day care centers must follow established staff-to-child ratios to ensure safety, proper supervision, and structured programming during non-school hours.
Ratio Sizes for 5-12
When children of mixed ages are grouped together, the ratio for the youngest child must be followed.
- Children 5–9 years old:
- 1 Adult:10 Children
- (Max group size 20)
- 1 Adult:10 Children
- Children 10–12 years old:
- 1 Adult: 15 Children
- (Max group size 30)
- 1 Adult: 15 Children
Need more guidance?
Wanting a direct source to all this information and more? OCFS aims to help families understand how to search for and choose a regulated child care program in New York State. It explains the different types of licensed and registered child care settings, provides guidance on what to look for during visits, and offers tools to compare programs based on important factors like safety, quality, location, and availability. It also connects users to the official child care search database so families can locate approved providers in their area.
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Becoming a Provider
If you are interested in becoming a registered child care provider in Erie County, or have questions regarding licensing or licensed child care, please contact the NYS Office of Children and Family Services at (716) 847-3828.
