Pre-Licensing Information
If you are interested in opening a child care program, the Council's professional staff can help you!
Contact the Council at (845)294-4012 to register for the next FREE information session. Please visit our Calendar for dates and times.
FAQ:
Q - How do I become a child care provider in the home?
A - Are you a warm and caring person who is at least 18 years of age or older?
Do you have at least two years experience working with children (family or otherwise)?
Do you live in the residence where you can provide care and does it have two exits?
Will you agree to care for children regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin or handicapping condition?
Q - Do my own children count in my capacity?
A - There are two things to know:
• You can care for two children besides your own children and do not have to be registered.
• Once registered/licensed, the provider’s own children must be five years old and enrolled in kindergarten or above in order for them to no longer count in the provider’s day care capacity.
Q- Do I need a certain amount of space in my day care area?
A- NYS Regulations do not specify a specific amount of space to be a FDC or GFDC Provider. The residence must have 2 exits. There should be enough space for children to crawl, jump, walk, play, etc. comfortably. SACC (School Age programs) and Child Care Centers have a requirement of thirty-five square feet per child indoors.
Q- Is there a cost to becoming a provider?
A- There is no cost to receive a registration or license. However, the prospective provider must meet the requirements of the regulations to become registered or licensed. Prospective providers must pass a Health and Safety Competency course which is $250. A prospective provider may use the Start up grant monies to pay for this course. Or they can pay out of pocket and be reimbursed by the state after they have passed the course and submitted paperwork for reimbursement.
Q- How long is the registration/license good for?
A-A registration/license is good for two years. There has been a recent regulation change that they are now good for four years. About six months before the registration/license expires, you will be mailed a renewal application. One of the requirements that may be subject to change is that to maintain your registration/license one must take thirty hours of training within the registration/license period. Certificates are given out at each training and the provider is responsible for submitting them with their renewal application.
Q-Is there financial help to become an in home provider?
A - NYS has monies to reimburse a potential provider once they pass the health and safety course AND become registered or licensed.
