Becoming a Licensed or Registered Child Care Provider

The Community Child Care Clearinghouse of Niagara assists people in becoming a registered or licensed in home child care provider. Services offered include:

•    Ordering a family or group family child care application
•    Introduction to Family Child Care Training
•    Health and Safety Start - Up Grant
•    Health and Safety Training
•    Information on grant programs to assist with training
•    Assistance throughout the registration and licensing process
•    Information on the New York State Office of Children and Family Services Regulations

For more information on opening a child care business please contact Angela Burns at 716-1-800-701-4KID or 716-285-8572 Ext 105.

Fingerprinting Services  - Effective October 9, 2009, “ink-and-rolled” fingerprints will no longer be taken at  Child Care Resource and Referral Offices or at Police Sations for submission to OCFS, as the Office of Children and Family Services is moving to a computerized imaging process known as LiveScan.  This new fingerprinting format will be available only at authorized sites located throughout the state and will offer more benefits than the traditional “ink-and-roll” format. These benefits include a near elimination of rejected fingerprint cards, a significantly quicker turn around time in receiving results, and a decrease in costs associated with postage, supplies and personnel.
The vendor that is providing the LiveScan fingerprinting service is L1 Identity Solutions. The vendor has set up locations throughout the state and they will also be providing evening and weekend services at select locations. Individuals that need to have fingerprints taken need to schedule an appointment by going to www.L1enrollment.com or by calling 1-877-472-6915. A location that best meets your needs can be selected during this time.  Providers can click on the following downloads to access the guidelines for the new livescan fingerprinting service and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services Request for Fingerprinting  Services Information Form.
Fingerprinting_guidelines[1].pdf
4930_Request_for_NYS_Fingerprinting_Services_Info_Form[1].pdf  4930_Request_for_NYS_Fingerprinting_Services_Info_Form[1].doc

The Community Child Care Clearinghouse of Niagara will still be available to complete fingerprint waiver forms for child care providers, potential child care providers, and family members of in home child care providers.   To print a fingerprint waiver form, please click on the forms tab in this website.

Training - The regulations established by the Office of Children and Family Services require all child care providers to complete thirty hours of training that cover nine training topic areas every two years.  Please click on the Training Calendar tab in this website for more information. It is important to remember that training certificates must be submitted to your licensor or registrar as verification that training was completed.  A copy of a training log for trainings completed at the Community Child Care Clearinghouse of Niagara may be obtained by calling 285-8572 Ext. 104.  For information on obtaining financial assistance for trainings or accreditation click here

Training Tracking Forms - The Division of Child Care Services has developed two forms for the purpose of recording training hours.   These forms will assist you in recording and tracking training hours.  Family and Group Family providers should be using form #OCFS-4880, Individual Training Tracking Form. This form should be maintained on file and submitted to your Registrar or Licensor at renewal, in place of the grid in the renewal booklets.   School-Age Programs and Day Care Centers should be utilizing the Individual Training Tracking Form #OCFS-4880 for the Director.  Employees can utilize the form for tracking their individual training.  School-Age Program and Day Care Center Directors should complete form #OCFS-4879 Day Care Program Training Tracking Chart Form for all employees at their site.   This form should be submitted to your Registrar or Licensor at renewal and a copy of this form should be maintained on site.  Both forms are included as a Word document and in PDF format for your convenience.  You may also order copies of the forms from the OCFS warehouse by calling (518) 473-0971.
OCFS-4879 Day Care Program Training Tracking Chart.doc
OCFS-4879 Day Care Program Training Tracking Chart.pdf
OCFS-4880 Individual Training Tracking Form for Child Care Personnel.doc
 OCFS-4880 Individual Training Tracking Form for Child Care Personnel.pdf

Provider Intensive Technical Assistance - The Community Child Care Clearinghouse of Niagara provides intensive technical assistance to provders to assist with individual progam needs.  Please click here for further information.

The Child and Adult Care Food Program - The Child and Adult Care Food Program, (CACFP) is a federally funded program of the United States Department of Agriculture, (USDA). The CACFP provides funding so child care providers can be trained in good nutrition practices and provide children age 12 and younger nutritious, well-balanced meals. The CACFP offers payments to registered and licensed family day care providers and enrolled legally exempt child care providers for meals served to children in their care. The meals must meet the nutritional standards set up by the USDA. Nutrition education and assistance with menu planning is also provided through in – home visits and workshops.  For more information on the CACFP please contact the Community Child Care Clearinghouse of Niagara at 716-285-8572 or 1-800-701-4KID.

Mandated Reporter Information- New York State registered and licensed child care providers, alternate providers and substitute providers are mandated reporters of child abuse and maltreatment and must report any suspected incidents of child abuse or maltreatment concerning a child receiving child day care to the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment at 1-800-635-1522. To obtain a copy of the Report of Suspected Child Abuse or Maltreatment form please click on the forms tab in this website or contact your licensor or registrar.  
Important reminder: Within forty-eight hours after reporting an incident of child abuse or maltreatment to the mandated reporter hotline, a written copy of the Report of Suspected Child Abuse or Maltreatment form must be submitted to the Niagara County Department of Social Services, Child Protective Service Unit. The address for the Niagara County Child Protective Service Unit is, NCDSS, PO Box 865, 301 10th Street, Niagara Falls, NY, 14302-0865.   

Carbon Monoxide Detector Requirements - In order to comply with Amanda’s Law, a minimum of one carbon monoxide detector must be installed in every home where there is a carbon monoxide source, defined as any appliance or system that may emit carbon monoxide, a fireplace, or a building with an attached garage, or other motor vehicle related occupancies.  Per the amended New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code, in existing residences (constructed before 1/1/08) with a carbon monoxide source, a carbon monoxide detector must be installed on the lowest story having a sleeping area.  Because the areas used for napping in Family Day Care and Group Family Day Care are often not on the floor where the provider’s family sleeps, it is highly recommended that one unit be installed on each floor of the residence on which there is either a sleeping area or carbon monoxide source. This recommendation is based on the requirements in place for new construction and is made in consideration of promoting the safety of both children in care as well as the families of providers.  In existing homes constructed prior to January 1, 2008, battery-operated units are acceptable and are not required to be interconnected. Homes constructed after that date should already have hard-wired, interconnected systems, as required by code. 

Health Care Plans - Every registered and licensed child care program must prepare a health care plan on forms furnished by the Office of Children and Family Services or approved equivalents.  Such plan must protect and promote the heath of children. The health care plan must be on site, followed by the caregivers and available upon demand by a parent or guardian or the Office. Where the provider will administer medications, the health care plan must also be approved by the program’s health care consultant. Each program in Niagara County may be eligible for Health Care Consultant services free of charge though the Community Child Care Clearinghouse of Niagara.   For information on obtaining a Health Care consultant though the Community Child Care Clearinghouse of Niagara please call 716-285-8572 or 1-800-701-4KID.

Provider's Lending Library - Providers can borrow materials on child development, health and safety, discipline, business, cultural sensitivity and other subjects. The provider lending library also has magazines, children’s books, games, children’s CDs, curriculum kits and other items that can enhance a child care program.  Items may be borrowed for up to one month. The Community Child Care Clearinghouse of Niagara offers this service free of charge to registered and licensed child care providers. For an appointment to borrow items from the provider lending library please contact the Community Child Care Clearinghouse of Niagara.

The Western New York Infant Toddler Resource Network - The Community Child Care Clearinghouse of Niagara is a participating partner in the Western New York Infant Toddler Resource Network.  If you are a registered or licensed child care provider and have a question regarding infant or toddler care, an Infant Toddler Specialist is available at the Community Child Care Clearinghouse of Niagara on the second Wednesday of each month.   If you would like an Infant Toddler Specialist to make a visit to your child care program please call 285-8572 Ext. 104  to set up an appointment.   You may speak directly to an Infant Toddler Specialist at any time by calling 1-866-281-4739 Ext. 3065.

Lead Screening -  The attachment contains infomation for child care providers on Lead Screening requirements distributed by the New York State Department of Health.   What Child Care Providers Need to Know about Lead.pdf

Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) - Providers may obtain an EIN number by calling 1-800-829-4933 or by visiting the IRS website located in the Links section of this website and downloading a SS-4 form.  An EIN number may be used in place of a provider’s social security number for parents who are claiming a child care credit on their taxes.

The work you do every day on behalf of the children in your care is the most important work in the world today. Research over the last decade has proven the importance of providing young children with a "good start" in the areas of physical, cognitive, and social emotional development. Yet, there are many people who still do not understand the important foundation caregivers are establishing each and every day. Here are some tips to help providers gain the respect and recognition you deserve for your commitment to our children.  

1. Have a contract. Establishing a contract that clearly outlines the days and times for care as well as payment obligations can eliminate any misunderstandings between a caregiver and a family. It is acceptable to request that payment for care is made at the beginning of the week or month.. Families need to be aware that their payment is necessary to provide food and experiences that encourage the healthy development of their child.  

2. Develop a family hand book.  A family handbook can help establish clear guidelines on your policies for caring for sick children, inclement weather, the philosophy of care, disciplinary procedures and any other information relevant to your program. It is important for caregivers to schedule time for themselves within a year. Any holiday or vacation time should be scheduled (preferably) a year in advance and included in the handbook so parents can plan ahead in making any alternative arrangements. If possible, involve your staff and families in the creation of new policies for your business.

3. Participate in professional development. Attend trainings and/or college courses. Training allows you to stay on top of the latest research from the field in providing quality care for children.  It also allows for networking and developing relationships with other providers in your area. 

4. Parent education. Being a professional means that it is your job to educate parents about the important work that, you do with their children. Make sure they are aware of the trainings that you attend. Develop communication through a newsletter that outlines the experiences that you have engaged the children in and the important areas of development that you are encouraging every day.    

5. Become an advocate for children. Contact local, state, and federal officials about the importance of early care and education as well as what is needed to provide the highest quality care for the children in this area, state, and country. Never underestimate the impact you can have on making positive changes that influence the lives of children.

To help raise the bar on quality child care by getting involved and letting local and national leaders know that quality child care is important to you and your community. Every voice counts. Join thousands of CCR&Rs, child care providers, and parents like you to make quality child care a reality for all families. Click here for more information on becoming a child care advocate.

Curriculum Ideas for Infants and Toddlers - The following are great ideas for day care providers to use with infants and toddlers in your child care program:
Games to Play with Babies and Toddlers 1.pdf
Games to Play with Babies and Toddlers 2.pdf
Games to Play with Babies and Toddlers 3.pdf
Games to Play with Babies and Todlers 4.pdf
Games to Play with Babies and Toddlers 5.pdf