Child Care — Information for Operators
Good child care encourages children to play and learn in a stimulating and nurturing environment. To keep children safe and healthy while they are in a provider's care, the government licenses and regulates child care facilities and inspects them regularly.
Information for Each Type of Child Care
For more information, including instructions on getting a permit, select one of the child care types below.
Group Child Care (Center-based)
A group child care (center-based) program is any program providing child care to three or more children under 6 years of age. These programs operate for five or more hours per week, for more than 30 days in a 12-month period. They primarily operate in non-residential spaces.
School-based
School-based programs provide instruction for children ages 3 through 5 who are located within a school or are part of a school.
Summer Camp
Summer camps provide child care for children younger than 16 (younger than 18 for overnight camps). They operate during the summer months in any year, primarily for the purpose of organized group activity.
School-age Child Care (After-school Programs)
A school-age child care program is a non-residential child care program for a group of seven or more school age children.
Family Day Care and Group Family Day Care (Home-based)
Family day care and group family day care programs are located in residences. They provide child care on a regular basis for more than three hours per day per child.
Informal and Legally-exempt
Informal child care providers are not regulated by the NYC Health Department.
Additional Resources
- Leasing Space to Child Care Centers: Frequently Asked Questions for Property Owners (PDF, May 23, 2023)
More Information
- Child Care Connect: Compare your program’s performance and inspection records to others across the city.