Group Family Day Care License

Group Family Day Care is child care in a family home on a regular basis. It lasts more than three hours per day per child. This care can include:

• Seven to 12 children, ages six weeks to 12 years
• Four more school-age children

A primary on-site provider runs a Group Family Day Care.

Caregiver requirements

• One caregiver can care for up to six children younger than school age.
• They can care for eight children if at least two of them are school-aged.
• Two caregivers must be present when more than six children, none of whom are school age, are in care.
• There must be at least one caregiver for every two children under the age of two years.

Steps to operate a Group Family Day Care

• Complete an online Orientation Session.
• Request an application after finishing the Orientation.
• Attend a 15-hour Health and Safety Training.
• Submit all documents and clearances within 90 days, including fingerprinting and background checks.
• Complete 30 hours of training in nine topic areas every two years: Fifteen of these hours must be completed within the first six months of employment.
• Staff that will care for children must take the Foundations in Health and Safety course within three months of hire: This includes providers, assistants, substitutes and volunteers.
• Programs must have at least one staff trained in both Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and first aid: The CPR and first aid certificates must be appropriate to the ages of children in care.
• Providers must take Medication Administration Training to give medication to children: This is not needed for over-the-counter topical ointments, sunscreen and insect repellents.

Registration period

• The first registration period for a Group Family Day Care program is two years.
• The renewal registration lasts for four years.
• Providers must follow the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations and all laws that apply.

• You need a license from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
• You must follow all requirements from City and State agencies.
• If you do not follow these regulations, your registration may be suspended.
• For more information, contact your NYC Bureau of Child Care borough office.

NYC Bureau of Child Care Borough Offices (PDF)

• Renewal notice: 90 days before your license expires, you will get a renewal notice in the mail from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
• Read requirements: Read the requirements for renewing a home-based day care license.
• Missing renewal notice: If you do not get your renewal notice, call 311 and ask for day care license. You will be connected to your Bureau of Child Care borough office.

Home-Based Day Care Operator's Guide to License Renewals and Hiring (PDF)