Childcare, Daycare, and Preschool Information

Childcare can help a parent or caregiver by allowing them to: work, attend school or participate in training or treatment programs knowing that their child is safe and under supervision of qualified professionals. Children - ages two months through 12 years - are cared for either in group childcare centers that are licensed by the Department of Health or in the homes of childcare providers that are registered by the Department of Health. Administration for Children's Services also issues vouchers to eligible families that may be used by parents to purchase care from any legal childcare provider in the City.

Head Start is administered by ACS. It is an outstanding program that helps 3 to 5 year old children from low-income families to improve the social competence, learning skills, health, and nutrition so they begin school on equal footing with their more advantaged peers. Call (212) 361-6966 for more information.


LOCATIONS AND CONTACT INFORMATION:     Bronx     <>     Brooklyn     <>     Manhattan     <>     Staten Island

Types Of Childcare (Definitions)

Group Day Care Facilities: Day care centers of 7 or more children which are located in an institutional setting. Regulated under the New York City Health Code.

Group Family Day Care: Day care homes of 6-12 children in the home of an unrelated family. Regulated under the State Office of Child and Family Services.

Family Day Care: Day care homes of not more than 2-6 children in the home of an unrelated family. Regulated under the State Office of Child and Family Services.

School-Age Program: School-age child care means care provided on a regular basis to seven or more school-age children under 13 years of age. Regulated under the State Office of Child and Family Services.

Family Home Care: An ACS program that provides childcare and household management services to families who need help providing a safe, nurturing environment for their children. Through training and support, homecare service providers help families to manage their household independently.

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Tips On Choosing Quality Childcare

A licensed group day care program allows children to learn and play in a healthy, secure, and friendly environment. The following questions are a good way to measure the quality of a childcare home or center:

A. Do you agree with the discipline rules?
B. Do you hear happy children?
C. Are children comforted when needed?
D. Is the program licensed or regulated?
E. Are surprise visits by parents encouraged?
F. Will your child be happy there?
G. Is group day care what I really want for my child?
H. Do I want it to be close to home or work?
I. Do the hours fit my schedule?
J. Would I feel comfortable leaving my child there?
K. Can I afford it?

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Child Referral Organizations

Childcare referral organizations are your local experts on childcare and provide parents with many services, including referrals to local child care providers. You can contact:

A. NYC Child Care Resource and Referral Consortium (888) 469-5999
B. ACD Information and Referral Service (718) FOR-KIDS
C. New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (212) 280-9253 or (718) 676-2444

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Tips On Finding A Childcare For Child Who Has Special Needs

Early Intervention Program (click here) provides free occupational and physical therapy, assistance with speech-language problems and necessary medical services, among other benefits to infants and toddlers who have a disability or developmental delay. There is no income eligibility requirement. Children under age 3 who have a disability or developmental delay are eligible for the EI program.

A. If you believe your child has a developmental delay or disability, call the New York City Early Intervention Program at (888) 577-BABY or (212) 219-5580 to find out how to get a referral.

B. Children must be referred to the Early Intervention Program for an evaluation. Referrals can be made by parents, physicians, childcare providers and social workers.

C. If referred, you have a right to a free multidisciplinary evaluation to find out if you child is eligible for services. The evaluation will also help you to better understand your child's strengths and needs, and how early intervention can help.

D. Contact your local school district and local early intervention program for resources

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Other Possible Resources For Childcare

A. Relatives
B. Neighbors and friends
C. Local churches, synagogues or mosques
D. Neighborhood organizations
E. Community Centers
F. Unions or employers
G. Department of Early Childhood Education at local colleges or universities
H. Senior centers, groups or associations

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Source: www.nyc.gov

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