How to Start a Daycare in New York: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide - post

Starting a #daycare in New York can be a very rewarding way to help families in your community while building a business you’re proud of. However, this process includes important legal, safety, and operational steps you must follow to succeed. This guide breaks down the key things you need to know in clear, easy-to-understand #language.

📌 1. Understand the Licensing Requirements

Before you begin serving children, you’ll need to know how child care is regulated in New York:

• Child care programs serving three or more children for more than three hours a day generally require licensing or registration from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). 

• Daycare programs are categorized based on size and setting, such as:

  • Family Day Care Home

  • Group Family Day Care Home

  • Day Care Center (non residential location)

  • School-Age Childcare Programs 

If you care for only one or two children (not more), state regulations typically do not require a license, but operating without proper credentials can limit your business opportunities and expose you to risks.

📝 2. Complete Mandatory Orientation

To begin the licensing process in New York, you must first take the OCFS Child Day Care Orientation. This #free online orientation gives you essential information about legal requirements, safety standards, and what you’ll need for your application. 

📘 3. Create a Business Plan

A strong business plan helps you clarify your goals and secure financing if needed. Your plan should include:

• Mission & vision for your daycare

• Target families you intend to serve

• Services offered (full day, before/after school, infant care, etc.)

• Startup and operating costs

• Marketing and enrollment strategy

• Projected revenue and expenses

📍 4. Choose Your Childcare Type and Location

Types of Daycare Settings

Depending on your goals, your daycare can be:

• A home-based program (Family or Group Family Day Care)

• A center-based program in a commercial space
  Each type has specific #health, safety, and space requirements. 

Location Considerations

• Check zoning laws with your city or town to confirm child care is allowed at your chosen address.

• Consider proximity to families, schools, and workplaces.

• Make sure the environment is safe and suitable for children.

🧑‍⚖️ 5. Form Your Legal Business Structure

Register your business with the New York Department of State. You may choose a legal structure like:

• Sole proprietorship

• Limited Liability Company (LLC)

• Corporation

Forming an LLC or corporation can protect your #personal assets and make your business appear more professional to families and vendors. 

Also obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS, especially if you plan to hire #staff. 

🧠 6. Complete Training and Certification

New York licensing typically requires specific training hours in health, safety, child #development, and more. 

Helpful Training Resources

• You can build knowledge and meet training requirements with online courses like those offered at ChildCareEd. For example, we offer a CDA Family Child Care Credential with Portfolio Review online, which is useful if you plan to operate a #home-daycare.

Completing trainings similar to this can help you prepare for caring for children #safely and professionally.

👉 You can also explore other free or low-cost training and get certificates here: ChildCareEd Courses approved in New York

🧑‍🔧 7. Prepare Your Facility

Your daycare space must meet all health and safety requirements before children can attend:

• Child-proofed rooms and #outdoor spaces

• Appropriate furnishings and educational materials

• Compliant restroom facilities

• Emergency exits and fire safety measures

A state inspector will visit your facility to ensure it meets all relevant criteria. 

📄 8. Submit the License or Registration Application

Once you’ve completed orientation and training, you can request the proper application form from the OCFS. 

• Submit completed forms along with background checks, fingerprints, and other documentation

• Pay any application fees

• Schedule inspections as needed

The review process may take several months, so allow plenty of time. 

👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 9. Hire Qualified Staff

If you’re opening a larger center, you’ll need qualified employees:

• Conduct background checks and fingerprinting for all staff

• Maintain required ratios of caregivers to children per state rules

• Provide ongoing training opportunities

Even in family-based day care, you may have assistants or substitutes who also need training and clearances. 

📣 #10. Market and Open Your Daycare

Once licensed, you’re ready to launch!

Ways to promote your daycare:

• Create a website and social media pages

• Connect with local parent groups and schools

• Share your mission, hours, and curriculum

📌 Follow for tips and updates on childcare training & insights:
👉 Instagram

🧠 11. Stay Compliant and Keep Learning

Licensing isn’t a one-time step—ongoing compliance is essential:

• Keep up with renewals

• Maintain training records

• Follow safety and reporting laws

Continuing education not only keeps you compliant but also supports the quality of your care. 

✅ Summary Checklist

✔ Complete OCFS orientation
✔ Choose location and business structure
✔ Form legal business and secure EIN
✔ Finish required training
✔ Set up your facility safely
✔ Submit the license application
✔ Hire and train staff
✔ Launch and market your daycare
✔ Maintain ongoing compliance

If you want training that supports your licensing goals and professional #growth as a daycare provider, explore the online offerings at 
👉 ChildCareEd