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Definitions of Types of Child Care |
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Child Care Centers, School-Age Child Care (SACC), Group Family Child Care and Family Child Care programs are regulated by NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and must be officially registered or licensed to operate.
All staff and providers of child care programs regulated by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services are required to receive a minimum of thirty (30) hours of training every two years. Child Care Center and School-Age Child Care staff must also meet specific credential and/or work experience requirements.
Licensed and registered programs are monitored and inspected by OCFS and their designees and information regarding their compliance history is available by visiting the OCFS website at www.ocfs.state.ny.us or by calling:
Regulated Child Care Options Child Care Centers Care is provided in a facility separate from a residence for more than 6 children in a group setting. All child care centers must be licensed by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services.
School-Age Child Care Programs Program for children ages 5-12 years in a group setting before and after school, school holidays, and summer vacation. Care is provided in a variety of facilities such as elementary schools, churches, community centers and child care centers. Programs which serve only school-age children must be registered by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. School-Age Programs that operate and are monitored by a private or public school or are strictly recreational are exempt from registration.
Family Child Care Homes Care is provided
by one (1) adult caregiver in an occupied residence for up to eight (8)
children. Programs can enroll children ages six (6) weeks through twelve
(12) years. Number of children cared for is based on ages of the
providers' own children and those they serve. Family Child Care Homes are
registered by NYS Office of Children and Family Services.
(FCC) Group Family Child Care Homes Care is provided in an occupied residence for up to fourteen (14) children. A licensed provider must have an assistant when there are more than six (6) children present. Programs can enroll children ages six weeks through 12 years. Number of children cared for is based on the ages of the providers' own children and those they serve. Group Family Child Care Homes are licensed by NYS Office of Children and Family Services.
(CCC) Camp Programs Day or overnight recreational programs that operate during the summer months and sometimes school holidays. Some programs are licensed by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services and some are regulated by the NYS Dept. of Health and must meet minimum health and safety requirements.
Early Childhood Education Options Nursery School / Pre-School Programs A program that serves children ages 3 - 5 years old in a variety of facilities including; public and private schools, churches, community centers, and home residences. Programs may meet 1-5 days per week for less than three hours per session. and follow the school year calendar. Programs are generally non-regulated and are not required to meet any specific requirements.
Pre-Kindergarten The NYS Department of Education funds Experimental and Universal Pre-kindergarten programs for 4 year olds in some school districts during the school year. Pre-kindergarten is a part-day program, but in some cases, the program is run by and / or housed at a community child care center that can offer a full day option to children.
Head Start and Early Head Start A federally funded program for children that meets 4-5 days per week during the school year. Head Start children must be at least three (3) years old and not eligible to attend public school at the time of application. Early Head Start is a program for pregnant women and families of children birth to three (3) years. Serves primarily low income families for part-day or school day sessions and offers a variety of support services. All Head Start / Early Head Start Centers are licensed by NYS Office of Children and Family Services.
In-Home and Informal Care Options (Child Care Solutions does not provide referrals to these types of care) In-Home / Exempt This
refers to a privately hired care giver in the child's home such as a
nanny. Care is provided by a relative or non-relative employed by
the family to care for their child (ren) in the child's home.
Families are required to meet minimum wage and other employee benefit
guidelines. There are also nanny agencies that will assist families
(on a fee-for service basis) in finding caregivers. This type of
care is exempt from licensing. For more information on In-home care
please contact our Parent Referral Line.
Informal / Exempt Non-regulated care provided in an occupied residence for up to two (2) children that are not directly related to the provider.
For more information on available child care options or to receive help finding child care in Onondaga County contact Child Care Solutions Parent Referral Line at (315) 446-1220 ext. 303 or toll free at (888) 729-7290 ext. 303. You can also email us at psteam@childcaresyracuse.org. |
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