How to Start & Operate a Day Care in New York State
Starting and operating a day care in New York state means getting the required licensing, following state guidelines for licensing and maintaining standards after becoming a day care provider. The rules and guidelines for operating the day care vary by the number of students served and the programs offered. The New York State Office of Children and Family Services oversees day care licensing and is in charge of making sure day cares are following rules.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Write a business plan for the day care and include plans for marketing, financing and services offered. Figuring out how many children will be cared for and for how many hours is important to determining if licensing is needed. Also, decide on the business structure of the day care, and if it will be operated under a sole proprietorship, limited liability corporation or other structure.
-
2
Find a facility to host the day care that complies with zoning rules, and have it inspected to meet New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code rules. The facility must also be inspected by the Department of Health, and can't be located near a hazard like a factory or power plant.
-
-
3
Apply for a license if the organization plans to watch three or more children for three or more hours a day. Submit all documentation required with the application. Operating a day care within New York City means contacting the Bureau of Day Care.
-
4
Find startup funds from grant programs or from self-funding. Wait for an approved application to run the day care and open the facility.
-
5
Begin marketing activities to attract students. Hire qualified staff as needed. Qualified staff should have experience or education. Develop programs for students.
-
6
Write needed policies. The center must have a disciplinary policy and also must give each parent an outline of services, programs and features when a new child is enrolled in the day care. An emergency evacuation plan is also required.
-
7
Run the day care, keeping up with zoning and fire laws. Also, consult an attorney and accountant to keep financial documents in line. A new application must be submitted for day care operator changes and changes in the shifts during which care is offered.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
By law, a day care facility in New York cannot refuse services to a student based on disability.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit child playing image by Christopher Hall from Fotolia.com
