Home Daycare Permit Requirements in New York City, NY

Complete permit and license guide for starting a home daycare in New York City, New York (Manhattan) County, New York.

$150 -- $500 8–16 weeks for registration; 10–20 weeks for group family day care license 8 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

New York City / New York (Manhattan) County Requirements

2 requirements
1

NYC Dept of Health — Family Day Care Registration (OCFS)

Home-based child care in NYC for 3–6 children (ages 6 weeks to 12 years, not related to the provider) requires registration with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). NYC Administration for Children's Services (ACS) administers the process locally. Requirements: safety assessment visit, background check, health statement, CPR/first aid certification, and basic child care training. Group family day care homes serving 7–12 children require a full OCFS license rather than a registration. Contact NYC ACS at 212-676-9421.

Free to register; small processing fees may apply8–16 weeks from application to registration
Official government source
2

NYC DCA — No Specific Local License Required

The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) does not issue a separate childcare license. State OCFS registration/licensing is the primary requirement. However, all NYC businesses must comply with applicable NYC zoning and building codes. Home-based family day care is a permitted accessory use in residential zones under NYC Zoning Resolution.

FreeN/A
Official government source

New York State Requirements

5 requirements
1

NY OCFS — Family Day Care Home Registration

Required for providing child care for 3–6 children (not related to the provider) in a family residence in New York. Administered by OCFS and locally by NYC ACS. Process includes: application submission, background check on all household members 18+ and employees, safety visit, health statement for provider, CPR/first aid certification, and 15 hours of initial training. Annual renewal required.

Free8–16 weeks
Official government source
2

NY OCFS — Group Family Day Care Home License

Required for caring for 7–12 children in a family residence. Requires a full license (rather than registration). Must have two qualified caregivers on-site at all times when 7+ children are present. Enhanced training (30 hours initial + ongoing) required.

Free10–20 weeks
Official government source
3

Background Check (OCFS — SCR and Fingerprinting)

All adults (18+) who reside in or are employees of the family day care home must complete a Statewide Central Register (SCR) check for child abuse/neglect and fingerprint-based criminal history checks through OCFS. Completed through the OCFS online portal.

$75–$100 per person2–6 weeks
Official government source
4

Initial Training (15 Hours) + Ongoing Annual Training

NY requires 15 hours of initial training before or within 3 months of registration, covering child development, health and safety, and OCFS regulations. At least 30 hours of ongoing training every 2 years thereafter. NYC ACS and approved training organizations offer courses.

$0–$200 (many subsidized courses available)Completed before or shortly after registration
Official government source
5

CPR and First Aid Certification

Current infant/child CPR and first aid certification required. Must be maintained throughout the registration/license period.

$50–$100Same day
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Also needed for accepting Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) subsidy payments. Free to obtain from the IRS.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Official Sources

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