New York State
Cornell Cooperative Extension

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If you're looking for high-quality child care for a school-age youngster, you probably have lots of questions. This brochure was designed to answer the most common questions that parents have about before- and after-school child care programs.

What Are the Choices for School-Age Care?

There are many programs in New York State that may offer child care for school-age children:

• Day care centers
• Family day care homes
• Group family day care homes
• Park and recreation departments
• Public and private schools
• Religious institutions
• Summer youth camps
• Youth groups (such as Ys, scouts, boys and girls clubs, Cooperative Extension)

Some of these programs may provide care for school-age youngsters only; others might add a school-age component to an existing child care program.

Basically, child care programs for school-age youth provide adult supervision and age-appropriate activities in the hours before and after school. Programs that are sensitive to the needs of employed parents also provide care during times that school is not in session, such as school holidays and vacations.

Is One Type of Child Care Better Than Another?

No one type of child care program is necessarily better than another. Some children are happier in small groups or homelike settings; other children thrive in larger, center-based programs. In any type of care, school-age youngsters need a program that lets them enjoy their out-of-school time to relax, play, pursue hobbies and other interests, build relationships with trusted adults, and socialize with other children.

Parents need to know that their children are in a safe place under the supervision of competent adults. For many parents, convenience and cost are important considerations.

Most important is that you find a program that best suits your needs and the needs of your school-age child.

Why Is Regulation Important?

Most child care programs that serve school-age youngsters must be either licensed or registered with the New York State Department of Social Services. In New York City, some child care programs are regulated by the city Department of Health. Camps for children in New York State must meet regulations established by the New York State Department of Health.

Regulated programs are required to meet standards that are designed to protect children and give parents peace of mind. For example, in regulated child care programs,

• Parents have the right to drop in at any time to observe the program or see their children.
• Adult-child ratios limit the number of children each adult cares for, which helps to ensure that children are properly supervised and get the attention they need.
• Child care providers must receive ongoing training in areas such as child development, health, safety, and nutrition.
• The child care facility must be clean and safe, with space enough for active children.
• There must be a written plan for program activities and routines, and the plan must be shared with parents.
• There must be a plan for the identification and prevention of child abuse and maltreatment.
• Every licensed program is inspected at least once before the license is issued or renewed. At least 20 percent of all registered programs are inspected annually.

How Do You Recognize High-Quality Child Care?

There is no absolute guarantee of quality in child care programs, but there are some factors that help to ensure quality. Because most child care programs are regulated, ask to see the program's license or registration certificate. In addition, look for these important things:

• a clean, safe, friendly environment that meets the needs of active school-age youngsters;
• responsible care providers who understand school-age children and enjoy working with them;
• a variety of activities that complement the school day, present opportunities for achievement at differing levels of skill, and encourage school-age youngsters to make choices;
• a program philosophy that understands that school-age children need time to relax with friends as well as time to pursue individual interests under the watchful guidance of competent adults;
• nourishing meals and snacks that will appeal to hungry youngsters who are in a period of rapid growth;
• respect for the importance of parents and other family members to children and to the child care program.

What If You Have Concerns About the Health and Safety of a Child in a Child Care Program?

Anyone who has a concern about the well-being of a child in a child care program can call the statewide, toll-free Child Care Complaint Line at 1-800-732-5207. In New York City, complaints can also be made to the city Department of Health at 212-676-2444.

Are There Local Agencies That Can Help You Find Child Care?

The New York State Department of Social Services funds child care resource and referral agencies (CCRR) across the state. These agencies help parents find child care.

To find a CCRR near you, call one of the information lines listed at the end of this brochure.

What Programs Help Pay for Child Care Costs?

Subsidies - In general, you may be eligible for assistance if you meet state low income guidelines and need child care to work, look for work, or attend employment training. For more information about child care subsidies, call one of the information lines listed at the end of this brochure.

Tax Benefits - Families can get help through government tax credits. To get more information, call one of the information lines listed at the end of this brochure.

Employer-Supported Benefits - Some employers offer benefits and supports that help their employees with child care needs. For more information, call one of the information lines listed at the end of this brochure.

How Do You Get More Information?

• Call the statewide, toll-free New York Parents' Connection at 1-800-345-KIDS for the number of a local agency that can help you.

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