A PARENT'S GUIDE TO CHILD CARE

New York State
State University of New York

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What Are Your Choices for Child Care?

There are many types of child care programs in New York State. Quality programs provide care in a warm and friendly setting. They make sure that the children are safe. They plan activities that help the children learn and develop. No one type of program is necessarily better than any other type of program. You are the best judge of which program will meet your needs and your child's needs.

Are There Local Agencies That Can Help You?

The state Department of Social Services funds Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies. These agencies help parents find quality day care programs. CCRRs serve almost every county in the state. For the number of a CCRR in your area, call one of the information lines listed at the end of this brochure.

What Are Some of the Programs You Can Choose From?

Here are brief descriptions of common types of child care programs in New York State. Each program is regulated by the state Department of Social Services, except New York City - based day care centers, which are regulated by the New York City Department of Health.

• Day Care Centers - care for more than six children at a time, not in a personal residence.
• Family Day Care Homes - care for three to six children at a time in a residence; may add one or two school-age children (maximum allowable number will depend on children's ages).
• Group Family Day Care Homes - care for seven to 12 children at a time in a residence; may add one or two school-age children. A provider must use an assistant when more than six children are present.

Each of the programs listed above can serve children ages six weeks through 12 years and operates for more than three hours a day.

• School-Age Child Care Programs - care for more than six children; generally serve school-age children from kindergarten through age 12. Care for children during non-school hours; also may provide care during school vacation periods and holidays.

Other forms of legal child care include:

• Nursery Schools - provide care for three hours a day or less. In New York City, the city Department of Health regulates these programs. A nursery school may voluntarily register with the state Education Department (SED).
• Pre-Kindergartens - usually located in public schools; supervised by the SED.
• Head Start Centers - targeted for preschool-age children from low income families; federally funded and usually licensed as Day Care Centers.
• Informal Care - care for one to two children at a time in addition to the provider's children, usually in the provider's home; are not required to register.

How Is Quality Maintained?

There is no absolute guarantee of quality in child care programs. However, several factors help to assure high quality care in regulated programs:

• Parent Involvement - As a parent, you are a key to quality child care. You have the right to drop in at any time to observe the program or to see your child. You will probably see the provider often and have a good idea of how things are going in the program.
• Adult-Child Ratios - Regulated programs must limit the number of children each adult cares for based on standards set in the regulations. These standards help to ensure that children are properly supervised and get all the attention they need.
• Training and Experience - Regulated child care providers must have prior experience caring for children and must receive ongoing training in areas such as safety, nutrition, and child abuse prevention.
• Regulation and Oversight - Programs regulated by the state Department of Social Services must be licensed or registered. With only a few exceptions, every program that cares for more than two children for more than three hours a day must have a license or registration certificate. When you visit a regulated child care facility, ask to see its license or registration certificate.
• Inspections - Regulated programs must have a license or registration certificate. Every licensed child care program must be inspected at least once before each license renewal. Twenty percent of all registered providers are inspected annually.
• Complaints - The state Department of Social Services (DSS) maintains a statewide, toll-free Child Care Complaint Line at 1-800-732-5207. Anyone can file a complaint of a possible regulatory violation in a day care program by calling this number or the nearest regional DSS office. In New York City, complaints also can be made to the city Department of Health at 212-334-7813.

Do You Need Help Paying for Child Care?

In general, families are eligible for financial assistance if they meet state low income guidelines and need child care to work, look for work, or attend employment training. For more information:

• in New York City, contact the Human Resources Administration at 212-FOR-KIDS.
• in the rest of the state, contact your county Department of Social Services office or call 1-800-345-KIDS for the number of a CCRR near you.

The government has two tax subsidy programs to help families with children. To get more information on these programs, refer to the brochure, A Guide to Child Care Funding for Parents, or call the toll-free number listed at the end of this brochure.

Do You Have Questions?

• In New York City, call the New York City Department of Health at 212-334-7813 or the Human Resources Administration at 212-FOR-KIDS.
• In the rest of the state, call the state Department of Social Services at 1-800-345-KIDS for the number of a local agency that can help you.

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