| License type | Childcare center |
| Regulating agency | New York State Office of Children and Family Services — Division of Child Care Services |
| Regulatory code | 18 NYCRR Part 418-1 (Child Day Care Centers) |
| Infant ratio | 1:4 (max group: 8) |
| Toddler ratio | 1:5 (max group: 12) |
| Preschool ratio | Contact agency (max group: —) |
New York licensed childcare center: Staff-to-child ratio requirements
Licensed childcare centers in New York must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by New York State Office of Children and Family Services under 18 NYCRR Part 418-1 (Child Day Care Centers).
| Age group | Staff:child ratio | Max group size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–18 months) | 1:4 | 8 | Infants may NEVER be mixed with other age groups (OCFS rule) |
| Toddler (18–36 months) | 1:5 | 12 | Ages 18–36 months |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | Contact agency | — | Verify preschool ratio — preschool group follows majority-age rule |
Source: 18 NYCRR Part 418-1 (Child Day Care Centers), New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Always verify current ratios directly with OCFS.
New York licensed childcare center: Credential & training requirements
Director / Operator requirements
New York childcare center directors must meet minimum education and experience requirements established by New York State Office of Children and Family Services under 18 NYCRR Part 418-1 (Child Day Care Centers). Most states require directors to hold a combination of early childhood education (ECE) college coursework, teaching or administrative experience, and a valid background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit. Contact New York State Office of Children and Family Services for the current director qualification standard applicable to your program type.
Teacher / Caregiver requirements
Lead teachers and caregivers in New York licensed childcare centers must meet minimum education requirements set by New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Requirements often include ECE college coursework or an equivalent credential (such as a Child Development Associate — CDA credential), plus ongoing continuing education. Aides or assistant teachers typically must be at least 18 years old and work under the direct supervision of a qualified lead teacher.
Annual training requirements
All center staff in New York are typically required to complete annual continuing education hours approved by New York State Office of Children and Family Services. CPR and pediatric first aid certification is required for most childcare center staff and must be kept current. Contact New York State Office of Children and Family Services for the current annual training hour requirement and approved training topics.
New York licensed childcare center: Facility requirements
The following physical environment standards apply to licensed childcare centers in New York under 18 NYCRR Part 418-1 (Child Day Care Centers).
| Indoor space | Minimum square footage per child required; verify with OCFS for your age group and license type |
| Outdoor space | Fenced outdoor play area required; minimum square footage per child; age-appropriate equipment |
| Infant sleeping | Dedicated sleeping area; individual cribs or safe sleep surfaces for infants |
| Emergency exits | Clearly marked, unobstructed; fire evacuation plan posted; regular fire drills required |
| Background checks | Live Scan or equivalent fingerprint background check required for all staff with child contact |
| Health & safety | Health department and/or fire authority inspection required before license issuance |
How to get a childcare center license in New York
The childcare center licensing process in New York is administered by New York State Office of Children and Family Services. The general steps are:
- Contact New York State Office of Children and Family Services — Division of Child Care Services to request a licensing application packet and pre-application guidance.
- Submit a completed application including facility information, disclosure forms, and background check authorization for all staff with child contact.
- Complete background checks (fingerprinting) for the owner/director and all staff.
- Obtain local fire clearance and any required health department inspection for the facility.
- Pass a pre-licensing site visit from a OCFS licensing analyst verifying compliance with 18 NYCRR Part 418-1 (Child Day Care Centers) physical environment requirements.
- Receive your childcare center license from New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Each physical location requires a separate license.
Licensing contact: New York State Office of Children and Family Services — Division of Child Care Services.
Official resource: https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/
Always be in ratio — brightwheel makes it automatic.
Brightwheel’s real-time attendance tracking alerts staff the moment any New York classroom approaches ratio limits required under 18 NYCRR Part 418-1 (Child Day Care Centers).
Frequently asked questions: New York childcare center licensing
Sources & references
This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with New York State Office of Children and Family Services before making licensing or compliance decisions.
- New York State Office of Children and Family Services — childcare center licensing
- ACF Licensing Regulations Database — New York
Also in this guide: New York Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, New York Large Family Child Care Home Requirements, New York Preschool Requirements