Nursery School
A nursery school or preschool may be VOLUNTARILY registered with the NYS Education Dept. to educate a group or groups of six or more children less than seven years of age. An application must be submitted and approved along with an onsite visit in order for a program to become voluntarily registered for five years. These programs are not subject to licensing by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services because they are in operation for less than three hours per day per child.
Staff qualifications - three options for teachers:
o State certification in early childhood education or equivalent instruction and experience;
o Two year major in nursery education and three years experience; or
o Ten years experience and a minimum of 20 credit hours in early childhood education
Standards of health and safety:
o Comply with state and local fire, health, and building codes;
o Comply with Commissioner’s Regulations, Part 125, in regard to indoor and outdoor facilities; staff qualifications; adult-child ratios; staff health exams, tuberculin tests, CPR, and first aid training; student physical exams and immunizations; meals and snacks; educational program, equipment and materials; and emergency procedures.
New York State does not have a statewide curriculum but guidance can be found at www.emsc.nysed.gov/nurseryschool under Resources.
