New York Daycare Regulations
Staff-to-Child Ratios
| Age Group | Ratio |
|---|---|
| Infants (0-12 months) | 1:4 |
| Toddlers | 1:5 (18-36 months) |
| Preschool | 1:7 (3-4 years) |
Staff Qualification Requirements
| Position | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Director | Bachelor's degree in ECE or related field + 2 years experience |
| Lead Teacher | 9 credits in ECE or CDA |
| Annual Training | 15 hours first 6 months, then 30 per 2 years |
State-Specific Notes
New York City has separate licensing through DOHMH. QUALITYstarsNY is the quality rating system.
Background Check Requirements
New York requires comprehensive background checks including:
- State criminal history check
- FBI fingerprint check
- National Sex Offender Registry check
- Child abuse/neglect registry check
Key Resources
- Official licensing website
- Contact your local licensing specialist for specific questions
- Review current regulations before applying for or renewing your license
Keep Current
Regulations are updated periodically. Sign up for notifications from Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to stay informed of changes.