NYC Regulations for a Home Day Care Center

The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene regulates New York City home day care providers. Anyone caring for more than two unrelated children for more than three hours per day must register and receive a license through this agency.

Experience and Training

• Potential home day care providers must be at least 18 years old and have two years of experience working with children. Additionally, applicants must attend an initial orientation followed by 15 hours of training in the first year. Training sessions include such topics as child development, safety, nutrition, discipline and guidance and curriculum.

Health and Safety

• Every person residing in the day care home must complete a health report signed by a physician stating that they are free of disease. Individuals over 18 years of age residing in the home must go through a background check that investigates potential claims of child abuse or neglect.

Home Inspection

• An inspector will visit the home, before issuing a license, to make sure it is a safe, clean place for young children. All day care homes must have a kitchen, bathroom and a working phone. Day care providers must keep health and emergency records for all children, serve nutritious meals and snacks and provide mats or cribs for rest times.

Contact Information

• Licensed providers may care for up to six children in their homes, including their own children. Rules vary for school-age children and infants. More than 100,000 children in New York City attend a child care program but child care shortages are common. To register for an orientation session and receive your application packet, call 212-280-9251.