Thinking of Starting a Child Care Program?
If you are interested in opening a child care in your home the first thing you will need to do is complete the New York State Office of Children & Family Services Child Day Care Orientation. Upon completion of the orientation you will be asked to "Request an Application" for Family Day Care or Group Family Day Care. The application will be sent to you from Albany which may take 1 - 2 weeks.
Families in St. Lawrence County need high quality child care! You have the opportunity to help families in your community by becoming a family child care provider, opening a child care center or school-age program. However, there are many things to consider before you begin the process. Please take a moment to go through each of the topics listed below. Although it may not seem like every step applies to you ... it does! If you decide that opening a child care program is right for you, we’ll be there to help guide you every step of the way.
There are many reasons people think about starting a child care business. Your reasons and the needs of your community will affect the type of care you provide. These links offer insight about opening a child care program.
• Opening & Running A Family Child Care Program
Gives you an overview of what you need to know so you can decide if running a family or group family child care program is right for you.
• Opening & Running A Child Care Center
Gives you an overview of what you need to know so you can decide if running a child care center is a good investment for you.
Source: Child Care Aware/Child Care Providers
How to Start a Family Child Care Program in Your Home
If you have not already done so, please complete the ONLINE Child Day Care Orientation. Upon completion of the orientation you will be asked to "Request an Application" for Family Day Care or Group Family Day Care. The application will be sent to you from Albany (this will take 1 - 2 weeks).
Once you receive your application please contact Katy Pinkerton at the St. Lawrence Child Care Council (315-393-6474 ext. 17). She will discuss your plans and review the requirements of the registration or licensing process, such as:
- In-Home Technical Assistance Visit
- Fingerprinting & Background Checks
- Health & Safety Training
- Common Application Mistakes
- Initial Home Safety Inspection
- And More....
Health and Safety Training is required by the New York State Office of Children & Family Services prior to opening a family or group family child care program. To find out more visit the Health & Safety Training page of our website.
How to Start a Child Care Center or School-Age Program
The St. Lawrence Child Care Council provides support for people and organizations who are interested in starting a Child Care Center or School-Age Child Care program in St. Lawrence County. To obtain a license or registration, the applicant must show that the child care program meets requirements the state has established to help ensure the health and safety of children in care. The St. Lawrence Child Care Council can provide interested parties with application materials, information about the process of starting a program, and help understanding regulations. If you are interested in starting a Child Care Center or School-Age Program please contact Katy Pinkerton at (315) 393-6474 (Ext. 17). New York State Child Day Care Regulations
Understanding the NYS Child Care Regulations
will help you know what is required of registered or licensed child care programs in New York State. It is important that you take time to review the regulations for the type of program you wish to operate.
Additional Resources
NYS Small Business Development Center (SUNY Canton)
Through a network of 24 regional centers, the New York State Small Business Development Center delivers high quality business counseling and training to New Yorkers who want to start a business or improve the performance of an existing business. Thanks to our partners in the public and private sectors, our services are free of charge. Our local Small Business Development Center on the campus of SUNY Canton College is a partner in the St. Lawrence County Family Child Care Training Program Initiative.
