How to Open a Day Care in NYC
Starting a day care business in New York City has it rewards and challenges, like any other business. Because you will be dealing with parents and small children, operating a day care business will require licenses and the proper facility space. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene regulates the care of children under 6. Your day care business must meet NYC's zoning and safety requirements before you are issued a permit to operate it. If you plan on having employees, they must be qualified and cleared to provide day care services. Make sure your facility meets all safety and zoning standards with the New York City Health Code, which is enforced by the DOHMH's Bureau of Child Care.
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Instructions
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Select a location for your day care center. Be prepared to have the facility inspected several times by various NYC regulatory entities such as the Fire Department, Buildings Department and Bureau of Child Care. You will be required to include proof of inspection and certifications as part of your application.
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2
Provide sketches prepared by a licensed professional engineer, which must be submitted and approved by the Buildings Department in the NYC borough where your day care business will be located.
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3
Have your day care business inspected by the Fire Department.
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4
Get certifications. You should receive a certificate of occupancy or letter of no objection from the Buildings Department and a statement of approval from the Fire Department.
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Create your day care program, which should include a meal plan, safety policies, procedures and operation documents, including the content and source of staff training. Include policies for the review and evaluation of background information for staff and volunteers.
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Complete the screening process. The NYC Health Code requires that you and day care employees submit fingerprints for a criminal background check and receive clearance from the New York state Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment.
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Submit your application to the Bureau of Child Care. It should include documentation and certifications from Steps 2 through 6.
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Tips & Warnings
Getting a license to operate a day care is a long and arduous process. Some tasks are contingent upon successfully accomplishing others. For example, you will not be granted a permit until the facility has been inspected. Consider using project management software to help you keep organized. A project management tool such as Smartsheet helps you keep track of deadlines, tasks, messages and important contacts (see Resource).
Upon receipt of your application, an early childhood education consultant will be assigned to work with you. Use this as an opportunity to hone your day care program and to meet the Bureau of Child Care's standards. Above all, maintain contact with the bureau throughout the various stages of your application.
If you are granted a permit to operate a day care facility in NYC, maintain adherence to the New York City Health Code, as inspectors make unannounced site visits. You must take care of any violations immediately, but no later than four weeks, depending on the type of violation.
References
Resources
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