Daycare License Requirements for New York

Worker requirements

Must have an AA in early childhood education, child development, or another child-related area; or CDA credential and 2 years experience related to caring for children; or high school diploma or equivalent and 3 years experience. Additionally, if caring for a group of children under the age of 3 years, must have 1 year experience and/or training specifically in Infant and Toddler care.

Provider / Child Ratio

Age Range	Ratio For Center-based Care
6 wks. – 1½ year	(1:4)
1½ year – 3 years	(1:4) or (1:5)
3 years	(1:6) or (1:7)
4 years	(1:7) or (1:8)
5 years	(1:8) or (1:9)
6 – 10 years	(1:10)
10 – 12 years	(1:15)

Age Range

Ratio For Family Child Care

6 wks. – 12 years

(1:6)For Family Child Care:[no more than 2 children under the age of 2 years; no more than 5 children if any child present is under age 2; up to two additional school age children may be cared for with Department approval following an on-site visit]For Group Family Child Care:

[no more than 4 children under the age of 2 years; no more than 6 children under the age of 3 years; no more than 10 children if any child present is under age 2; up to two additional school-age children may be cared for with Department approval following an on-site visit]

New York State Department of Family Assistance

Office of Children and Family Services

Bureau of Early Childhood Services

52 Washington Street, Room 338, North Building

Rensselaer, NY 12144

Phone: 518-474-9454

Fax: 518-474-9617

Web site: http://www.dfa.state.ny.us

For callers from the 5 boroughs of New York City: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Staten Island

New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Bureau of Day Care

2 Lafayette Street, 22nd Floor