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New York Preschool Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, and teacher credential requirements for preschool programs in New York. New York also administers a state-funded preschool program — Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) — with additional requirements.

New York Preschool — Compliance Quick Reference

Ages served	Typically 2.5–5 years (verify with OCFS)
Preschool ratio (licensed center)	Contact agency, max group —
Regulating agency (private preschool)	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)
State-funded program	Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK)

New York preschool: Staff-to-child ratio requirements

Preschool programs 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).

New York state-funded preschool: Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) — a state-funded program that may have different ratio and credentialing requirements than privately licensed preschools. Contact the administering agency for provider qualification and funding details.

Program type	Staff:child ratio	Max group size	Notes
Private preschool (licensed center) (3–5 years)	Contact agency	—	Verify preschool ratio — preschool group follows majority-age rule
State-funded preschool (Universal Pre-Kindergarten)	Contact administering agency	—	May differ from center license ratios

Source: 18 NYCRR Part 418-1 (Child Day Care Centers), New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Always verify current ratios with OCFS.

New York preschool: Credential & training requirements

Director / Operator requirements

Private preschools operating under a New York childcare center license require a director meeting New York State Office of Children and Family Services’s qualification standards under 18 NYCRR Part 418-1 (Child Day Care Centers). Requirements typically include ECE coursework, administrative experience, and background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit for programs serving preschool-age children.

Teacher / Caregiver requirements

Preschool lead teachers in New York must meet minimum education requirements set by New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Most states require at minimum a CDA credential or equivalent ECE college coursework for preschool teachers. Contact New York State Office of Children and Family Services for the current teacher qualification standard, as requirements may differ between privately licensed and state-funded programs.

Annual training requirements

All preschool staff at New York-licensed programs must complete continuing education hours annually. CPR and pediatric first aid are required for all direct-care staff. State-funded programs may have additional professional development requirements tied to their funding contract.

How to get a preschool license in New York

Private preschool programs in New York follow the childcare center licensing process administered by New York State Office of Children and Family Services:

Determine which licensing pathway applies: New York State Office of Children and Family Services center license (private preschool) or Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) contract (state-funded preschool).
For a private preschool: apply for a childcare center license through New York State Office of Children and Family Services — Division of Child Care Services. The process includes application, background checks, and pre-licensing inspection.
Ensure the director meets New York State Office of Children and Family Services’s qualification requirements before the license is issued.
Ensure lead preschool teachers meet the credential or coursework requirements under 18 NYCRR Part 418-1 (Child Day Care Centers).
For a state-funded preschool: contact NY OCFS (Office of Children and Family Services) or your local school district or county office of education to apply for a Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) contract.
Complete the pre-licensing inspection and any additional requirements.

Licensing contact: New York State Office of Children and Family Services — Division of Child Care Services.
Official resource: https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/

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Frequently asked questions: New York preschool licensing

Does a private preschool in New York need a childcare center license?

Yes — private preschool programs in New York that serve children in a group setting are typically required to be licensed as a childcare center by New York State Office of Children and Family Services under 18 NYCRR Part 418-1 (Child Day Care Centers). The staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) in a licensed center is Contact agency with a maximum group size of —. Contact New York State Office of Children and Family Services for the licensing threshold (how many children trigger the licensing requirement).

What teaching credential does a New York preschool teacher need?

New York preschool teacher credential requirements are set by New York State Office of Children and Family Services under 18 NYCRR Part 418-1 (Child Day Care Centers). Most states require lead preschool teachers to hold at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent early childhood education college coursework. Contact New York State Office of Children and Family Services for the current credential standard applicable to your program type and funding source.

What is the staff-to-child ratio for a New York preschool classroom?

For private preschool programs licensed by New York State Office of Children and Family Services in New York, the required staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) is Contact agency, with a maximum group size of —. For state-funded programs (Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK)), different ratios may apply — contact the administering agency for details.

What is the Universal Pre-Kindergarten and who qualifies?

Yes — New York administers Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK). This state-funded program typically serves income-eligible children ages 3–5 and uses different staff ratio and credentialing requirements than privately licensed preschools. Contact the administering agency for eligibility criteria, provider requirements, and funding availability.

How is kindergarten different from a licensed preschool in New York?

Kindergarten in New York is a school-district program regulated by the state department of education under K–12 education law — not by New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Private licensed preschools must be licensed by New York State Office of Children and Family Services under 18 NYCRR Part 418-1 (Child Day Care Centers) and meet childcare center standards. Programs serving children ages 3–5 before kindergarten age must be licensed if they meet the threshold for group care. Contact New York State Office of Children and Family Services for the exact age and group size thresholds that require licensure.

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.

Also in this guide: New York Childcare Center Requirements, New York Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, New York Large Family Child Care Home Requirements

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or compliance advice. Childcare licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with New York State Office of Children and Family Services at https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/ before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.