New York Childcare Licensing
New York Childcare Licensing Requirements (2026)
New York childcare licensing is administered by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. A licensed New York center must maintain a parent handbook covering 13 state-mandated policy areas, each tied to a specific administrative-code citation. Annual inspection plus unannounced visits; complaint-based inspections
Licensing Agency
New York State Office of Children and Family Services →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamNew York Licensing Requirements: The Specifics
New York childcare centers must include a written Hours of Operation section in the parent handbook (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per New York Code of Rules and Regulations 18 NYCRR §418-1.3.
New York Code of Rules and Regulations 18 NYCRR §418-1.3
New York childcare centers must include a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy section in the parent handbook (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per New York Code of Rules and Regulations 18 NYCRR §418-1.11.
New York Code of Rules and Regulations 18 NYCRR §418-1.11
New York childcare centers must include a written Illness and Exclusion Policy section in the parent handbook (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per New York Code of Rules and Regulations 18 NYCRR §418-1.12(d).
New York Code of Rules and Regulations 18 NYCRR §418-1.12(d)
New York childcare centers must include a written Medication Administration Policy section in the parent handbook (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per New York Code of Rules and Regulations 18 NYCRR §418-1.12(f).
New York Code of Rules and Regulations 18 NYCRR §418-1.12(f)
New York childcare centers must include a written Emergency Procedures section in the parent handbook (Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.) per New York Code of Rules and Regulations 18 NYCRR §418-1.9.
New York Code of Rules and Regulations 18 NYCRR §418-1.9
New York childcare centers must include a written Arrival and Departure Procedures section in the parent handbook (Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees.) per New York Code of Rules and Regulations 18 NYCRR §418-1.10.
New York Code of Rules and Regulations 18 NYCRR §418-1.10
New York Licensing Requirements at a Glance
| Hours of Operation | New York Code of Rules and Regulations 18 NYCRR §418-1.3 |
|---|---|
| Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy | New York Code of Rules and Regulations 18 NYCRR §418-1.11 |
| Illness and Exclusion Policy | New York Code of Rules and Regulations 18 NYCRR §418-1.12(d) |
| Medication Administration Policy | New York Code of Rules and Regulations 18 NYCRR §418-1.12(f) |
| Emergency Procedures | New York Code of Rules and Regulations 18 NYCRR §418-1.9 |
| Arrival and Departure Procedures | New York Code of Rules and Regulations 18 NYCRR §418-1.10 |
| Nutrition and Meals Policy | New York Code of Rules and Regulations 18 NYCRR §418-1.14 |
| Parent Communication Policy | New York Code of Rules and Regulations 18 NYCRR §418-1.3(a) |
| Grievance and Complaint Procedure | New York Code of Rules and Regulations 18 NYCRR §418-1.3(b) |
| Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting | New York Social Services Law §413; 18 NYCRR §418-1.11(f) |
| Enrollment, Fees, and Payment Policy | New York Code of Rules and Regulations 18 NYCRR §418-1.3(c) |
| Health and Safety Policies | New York Code of Rules and Regulations 18 NYCRR §418-1.12 |
| Nondiscrimination Policy | New York Human Rights Law §296; 18 NYCRR §418-1.4 |
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New York Licensing Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions
Which agency regulates childcare licensing in New York?
Childcare licensing in New York is regulated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Official licensing information is published at https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/.
How many handbook policy sections does New York require?
New York requires at least 13 mandatory policy sections in a licensed center's parent handbook, each backed by a specific state regulatory citation.
How often does New York inspect licensed childcare centers?
Annual inspection plus unannounced visits; complaint-based inspections
What happens if a New York center is out of compliance?
Fines up to $500/violation; corrective action plan; revocation under Social Services Law §390
New York childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published New York administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.