In New York, legal child care programs are required to have a current license or registration. With only a few exceptions, every program that cares for more than two children for three hours or more per day must have a current license or registration certificate. When you visit a regulated child care facility, ask to see the license or registration certificate. Providers who work in regulated programs have had extensive background checks, and are required to follow a set of regulations set by NYS.
The "Child Care Regulations" are in place to make sure your child is being cared for in a safe and healthy environment. Registered and licensed programs are also periodically inspected to make sure they are in compliance with the regulations. We encourage families to have a basic understanding of the regulations so you can know if your child’s provider is meeting the minimum health & safety standards. Child Care Regulations are available on the Office of Children & Family Services’ website.
If you have any questions about the regulations, Child Care Solutions is here to help you understand them by calling us at (315) 446-1220 or in person.
We recommend you check a program's inspection & compliance history. You can find this on the Office of Children & Family Services’ website. This includes any regulatory violations and current compliance status for those violations.
To search for a program's inspection & compliance history:
- Enter the program details and click “find day care”
Anyone can file a complaint of a possible regulatory violation in a day care center, group family day care, family day care, or school age child care program. If you think a person or program is operating without the proper license or registration certificate, this is also a basis for making a complaint. Your complaint will be investigated, and if it is substantiated, staff will work with the provider to correct any violations.
To file a complaint you can reach any of the following Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM:
Child Care Solutions: (315) 446-1220
Syracuse Regional Office: (315) 423-1202
Office of Children & Family Services: (800) 732-5207
Child Care Solutions makes every effort to serve all members of our community. If you have special needs that can not be accommodated through our website please call us or visit our offices. You can also email us at ccs@childcaresolutionscny.org.