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How to become

a child care provider

Last year CHCF provided 2500 hours of training to 235 licensed child care providers

Steps to becoming a child care provider.

  1. Take initial mandatory online orientation training.
  2. Application – You can order your free application online once you have completed the initial online orientation.
  3. Take 15 hour Health and Safety Training with us.
  4. Make an appointment with us to receive help filling out your application.
  5. Mail or drop off the completed application at the NYC Department of Health (DOH) of your borough.

6. Receive an “Acknowledgement letter” or receipt from the DOH.
7. Have your home inspected by the DOH.
8. Receive your family or group day care registration/license in the mail or pick it up in person at your local DOH office.
9. Within the next 2 years complete your remaining 15 hours of training with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a registered Family Day Care provider?

A registered Family Daycare Provider cares for 3 to 6 children plus two additional school-age children in a residence. There must be one caregiver for every two infants in care. The maximum number of children allowed depends on whether a provider is approved to care for two additional school-age children. For more information online click here.

What is a licensed Group Family Day Care provider?

A licensed Group Family Daycare Provider cares for 7 to 12 children plus four additional school-age children in a residence. There must be a caregiver for every two infants in care. The maximum number of children allowed depends on whether a provider is approved to care for four additional school-age children. For more information online click here.

How many hours of training do I need to renew my license?

very childcare provider is required to complete a total of 30 Hours of training every two years, in order to renew his/her license. For more information on our 30 hour license renewal training’s, please contact CHCF via email or by phone at (212) 206-1090.

Where can I register for the Spanish language 30-hour license renewal course?

For more information on how to register for our Spanish language 30 hour license renewal, please contact CHCF via email or by phone at (212) 206-1090.

Where can I register for a CPR/First Aid course?

For more information about CPR/ First Aid Training please contact The American Red Cross at (877) 733-2767. You may also visit http://www.nycccrr.org/ to see available CPR/ First Aid training’s.

What is the CDA?

CHCF provides 120 hours of training required for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, which is nationally accredited by the Council for Professional Recognition. The CDA is a six month self-paced and candidate driven professional development process. The 120 hours of training consists of a set of high-quality bilingual courses designed for providers who want to obtain a deeper understanding of the principles of early childhood education and apply for the credential. Please contact CHCF via email or by phone at (212) 206-1090 if you wish to register for the CDA course.

How much do trainings cost?

Please contact CHCF via email or by phone at (212) 206-1090 if you wish to register for any of the following training:
* Child Development Associate (CDA) – $2,000

* 30 Hour License Renewal Training – $750

* Medicine Administration Training (MAT) – covered with our Health Care Consultancy Grant.

* Health and Safety 15 Hour Course – $250

Do I qualify for a training scholarship?

Training Scholarships are only valid for the following training’s found below, for more information on how to apply for a training scholarship, please contact CHCF via email or by phone at (212) 206-1090.

* Child Development Associate (CDA) – $2,000

* 30 Hour License Renewal Training – $750

What is the CACFP?

The Child Adult Care Food Program, also known as CACFP, ensures that nutritious and safely prepared meals and snacks are available to children and adults in day care settings. In addition, CACFP seeks to provide reimbursement for qualifying meals and snacks served in child or adult day care centers. For more information regarding CACFP please contact 1-800-942-3858 or visit http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/cacfp/overview.htm.

What is technical assistance?

CHCF offers FREE technical assistance to improve the quality of early education programs and provide the knowledge to build a better future for our children. Our early education specialists conduct home visits and provide in-office guidance to providers on child health, nutrition and development, and creating a nurturing environment for children. In addition, we provide strategies for coexistence among children, communication with parents, legal requirements, safety practices, registration of children, navigating the system of care and education, grants and scholarships, among many others. For more information on how to schedule a technical assistance visit from one of our specialists, please contact CHCF via email or by phone at (212) 206-1090

What are the new regulation changes as of May 1, 2014?

Beginning May 1, 2014 anyone interested in becoming a Childcare Provider must first take an online or in-office Orientation before being able to request a Family or Group Childcare Initial application. The online orientation provides an overview of all new regulations for those wishing to obtain a license to provide child care in their homes. For more information a regarding the online orientations please visit http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/childcare/becomeaprovider.asp

How do I get in contact with the Department of Health?

For more information on the Department of Health please visit the following link to view the contact information for each of the DOH Borough Offices. http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/living/childcare.shtml

How to get your Medication Administration Training

For more information on how to register for our Medical Administration Training, please contact CHCF via email or by phone at (212) 206-1090.

How to register for bilingual CDA training

For more information on how to register for our bilingual CDA trainings, please contact CHCF via email or by phone at (212) 206-1090.

How to cancel a training

For more information on how to cancel one of our trainings, please contact CHCF via email or by phone at (212) 206-1090. or visit this page.

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