For Families
Free On-Line
Child Care Search
Request for Services
Working as a bridge between parents, providers and employers in communities of Otsego county, Child Care Support Services helps families find child care solutions for their children. A program of Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties, Child Care Support Services is the Child Care Resource and Referral for Otsego County and maintains a database of child care providers throughout the county, and helps families find quality child care programs through education and resources.
Our referrals are tailored to meet individual family needs and are available by phone, email, and fax and in person.
We can help with:
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Finding child care
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Choosing child care
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Answering question you may have surround child care
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Technical assistance on a variety of topics
Our service is free of charge, confidential and open to all families.
We encourage parents to connect with us on our Facebook or Twitter pages to ask questions share information and keep up to date with news and activities here at Child Care Support Services.
Do you have a record in our database that you need update? Would you like to have our newsletter e-mailed to you? Please complete the Record Update Request and return it to our office by fax, email or mail.
Our staff are available Monday – Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm to assist you with your child care needs
Contact us at:
(607) 432-0061
Email: childcare@charitiesccdo.org
Find Chlid Care
Child Care Options
What are the NYS Regulations?
Choosing the right care for your child
What indicates quality in a child care setting?
Help with child care costs
Checking on a child care provider's regulatory compliance History
Find Child Care
Selecting the right child care is an important step in the life of you and your child. We know how time consuming and difficult the task can be. Our staff can make it easier by providing you with referrals to programs that might best suit your families’ individual needs.
When requesting a referral from Child Care Support Services we will provide you with a child care referral tailored to your individual needs, as well as information that will help you make an informed decision when selecting a child care program for your child. Information included is based on individual need and may include: Child Care Subsidy Program information, guides and descriptions of the various types of child care for you to consider.
Referrals to child programs are not intended to be recommendations of programs. As the parents or guardian you have the responsibility of choosing a child care program that best meets the needs of your family and child.
If you are looking for child care, there are four ways we can help you:
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You can complete a Referral Intake and request a referral at no charge by E-Mail at: childcare@charitiesccdo.org
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You can complete a Referral Intake and request a referral by fax at (607) 431-9303
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You can call our office at (607) 432-0061 and speak to a child care specialist for more information
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You can access our free on-line referral portal whenever convenient for you.
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You can request a referral in person at our office.
Child Care Options
One of first things to consider when choosing child care is what type of setting will be the best fir for needs of your child.
This guide will help you look for indicators of quality in child care including group size and child to adult ratios. Child to adult ratio refers to the maximum number of children per staff. Maximum Group Size refers to the number of children cared for together as a unit. Low child to adult ratios and group sizes have a positive impact on the overall quality of early and school-age care and education programs and experiences that children have in those programs.
Regulated Child Care Options
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Day Care Center
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Family Day Care
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Group Family Day Care
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School Aged Child Care
Other Early Childhood Program Options
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Nursery School/Pre School
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Legally Exempt Child Care
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In Home Child Care
What are the New York Child Care Regulations?
Day Care Centers
Care is provided for more than 6 children at a time in a facility that is not residence in a group setting. Day Care Centers can serve children ages 6 weeks through 12 years and operate for more than 3 hours a day. All staff members are required to be finger printed for clearance check and take a minimum of 30 hours of appropriate training every 2 years. All Day Care centers must be licensed by the NYS office of Children and Family Services and must meet licensing requirements for the facility, health, safety, staffing and education.
The maximum child to adult ratios permitted by New York State in a licensed center are as follows:
Child's Age |
Ratio |
Group Size |
6 weeks - 18 months |
4 |
8 |
18 to 36 months |
5 |
12 |
3 years |
7 |
18 |
4 years |
8 |
21 |
5 years |
9 |
24 |
6 to 9 years |
10 |
20 |
10 to 12 years |
15 |
30 |
Family Day Care Homes
Care is provided in a personal residence for 3 to 6 children, and may have an additional 1 to 2 school age children .Programs may enroll children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. All staff members are required to be fingerprinted for a clearance check and take a minimum of 3o hours of appropriate training every 2 years. Family Day Care Homes must be registered by NYS State Office of Children and Family Services.
The Maximum child to adult ratio permitted by New York State in registered Family Day Care are as follows:
Child's Age |
Ratio |
Group Size |
0 - 2 years |
2 |
2 |
2 - 5 years |
6 |
6 |
5 - 12 years |
8 |
8 |
Group Family Day Care Homes
Care is provide in a personal residence by a primary caregiver and an assistant for up to 16 children. The provider must use an assistant when more than 2 infants or more than 6 children are present. Programs may enroll children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. All staff members are required to be fingerprinted for a clearance check and take a minimum of 30 hours of appropriate training every 2 years, Group Family Day Care Homes must be licensed by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services.
The maximum child to adult ratio permitted by New York State in a Licensed Group Family Day Care are as follow:
Child's Age |
Ratio |
Group Size |
0 - 2 years |
2 |
4 |
2 - 5 years |
6 |
12 |
5 - 12 years |
8 |
16 |
School Aged Child Care Programs
Programs are designed for children from kindergarten through age 12. Care is provided before and after school and may also operate during school holidays and vacations. Programs may operate in various facilities such an elementary schools, churches, community centers, and day care centers. School Aged Child Care Programs must be registered by New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
The maximum child to adult ratio permitted by New York State in a registered School Aged Child Care Program are as follow:
Child's Age |
Ratio |
Group Size |
Kindergarten - 9 years |
10 |
20 |
10 - 12 years |
15 |
30 |
Listed below are types of programs that are not required to be licensed or registered by the New York State office of Children and Family Services
Nursery Schools/Pre-Schools
A program that generally serves children ages 3 through 5 years for less than three hours per day, 1 to 5 days per week and follow the school year calendar. A nursery may voluntarily register with the State Education Department (SED) or may volunteer to be licensed by the Office of Children and Family Services.
Legally Exempt Care
Care is provided in a personal residence for up to 2 children. The care is provided outside of the child’s home and the care giver is hired by child’s parents.
In Home Child Care
Care is provided for a child in a child’s home. There is not a limit on how many children can be cared for as long as all children in care reside in the home where care is provided. The care giver is hired by child’s parents.
What are the New York Child Care Regulations?
Licensing and registration through the New York State Office of Children Services (OCFS) is required for Family Day Care, Group Family Day Care, Centers, and most School Aged Care Programs. This means that all these types of care are regulated, monitored and inspected by OCFS. These programs must meet minimum standards for health and safety, staff education, group size etc. However having a license or registration does not guarantee quality. It is your responsibility to interview care givers and choose a program that is best for your child and family. For more Information about NYS Day Care Regulations visit http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/childcare/daycare_regs.asp or contact the Reginal office of OCFS by phone at (518) 402-3038.
Choosing the Right care for your child
Choosing the right child care provider may be one of the most important decisions you can make for your child’s health, happiness and safety. If your infant, toddler or preschooler needs fulltime child care, she or he can spend many hours a day with their child care provider. Thats why it’s important to choose a provider carefully.
Steps to choosing a quality child care program
1. Contact Child Care Support Services for a free confidential child care referral
2. Become familiar with the various types of care available
3. Learn about the state regulations for each type of care
4. Contact the child’s care programs you received through your referral:
Do they have an opening?
How many children does the provider care for?
What are the ages of the children they care for?
What are the fees? What does that include?
5. Visit several programs and providers
Use checklist to ask questions.
For a downloaded able copy of the NYS OFCS brochure, ‘As You Think about Child Care’ click here.
The brochure is also available in Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Bengali, Haitian Creole and Korean.Make notes.
Observe the environment, the caregivers and the children
NYS OCFS produced the short video “Think about Child Care” to help guide you through the process of selecting a child care program that is right for you and your child.
Think About Child Care Video
6. Ask for references from parents whose children are in the program.
7. You can see if the provider has any violations or complaints by calling the New York State Office of Children and Family Services at (800) 732-5207 or by visiting their website.
8. Select a child care setting that best suits the needs of you and your child.
What Indicates Quality In a Child Care Setting?
It is important to recognize the six quality indicators for child care programs. When visiting programs and interviewing providers who may potentially care for your child, remember to ask about the following:
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Ratio: staff to child ratio refers to the maximum number of children per staff person. The caregiver to child ratios should be appropriate and according to the NYS Day Care Regulations.
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Group Size: Maximum Group Size refers to the number of children cared for together as a unit. Small group sizes ensure your child will receive one on one attention and are part of a group that is easier to manage.
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Low staff to child ratios and group sizes have positive impact on the overall quality of eary and school aged care and education programs and the experiences that children have in those programs.
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Family Involvement: The program should encourage family involvement and ask parents to participate in activities and events. There should be an open door policy for parents to come into the program
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Caregiver Education and Turnover: Staff should be education in early childhood or a related field, have college level education or child Development Associate certifications. Staff should be knowledgeable about the ages of children that they are caring for and should have education and training that is relevant to children and their care. Staff turnover should be low and there should be longevity with caregiver employment. Low staff turnover indicates that the staff like what they do and provides a stable environment for children.
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Health and Safety Indicators: Look for indicators that health and safety practices are followed. For example fire drills should be completed on a regular basis .Providers should wash their hands often and wear gloves during diaper changing. Individual bottles and cups should be marked with the children’s names. Correct ratio are being followed and caregivers directly supervise all children. The environment and materials should be kept clean and sanitized. Providers should practice good hygiene and hand washing with the children. Programs should follow good nutritional and physical activity standards.
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Accreditation: Staff education is the best predictor of quality of an early childhood program. Adults with training in early childhood education provide higher quality of an early childhood program. Adults with appropriate activities, and do a better job of preparing your child for school. There are different types of credentials and accreditations that registered and licensed programs may obtain to show parents that’ they are operating with equality standards set forth by different professional organizations including Child Care Aware, NAEYC, NAFCC and others. Parents should inquire as weather a program. Provider has any credentials or accreditations.
Help with Child Care Costs
Below is the average cost of full time care in Otsego County:
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Child Care Subsidy Program
The Child Care Subsidy Program through the Otsego County Department of Social Services can assist eligible households with child care costs. To see if you might be eligible for this program, please view the income guidelines. To request an application for this, contact the Otsego County Department Social Services at: (607) 547-1700 / (800) 422-2512.
Child and Dependent Care Credit
If you paid someone to care for quality individual so that you or your spouse if you are married could work or look for work you may be able to claim the credit for child and depended care expenses.
Earned Income Tax Credit
To qualify, you must be working full-or part time and make less than certain amount based on family size.
Empire State Child Credit
To quality you must have a child care who is at least four years on December 31st, meet certain income guidelines and must qualify for federal child tax credit.
Other Financial Assistance
There may be some providers or programs that offer assistance to parents such as multi child discount or sliding fee scales based on income and family size. Not all programs offer this, but you should ask the provider or program when you contact them if they do.
Checking on a Child Care Providers' Regulatory Compliance History
It’s important for parents to check on a provider’s history to insure compliance with New York State Day Care Regulations. Parents should use this information to discuss any concerns they may have about any complaints or violations the provider may have had.
Information regarding a registered or licenses child care program can be found by visiting the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (NYS OCFS) Facility Search website and entering a program or providers name or the zip code and type of care. When you find the program or provider look to the right of the name and ‘click here profile’. By clicking on a provider’s link you will be able to view any regulatory compliance issues for up to six years. You can receive more information regarding New York State Child care regulations by visiting the NYS OCFS website.
If you wish to register a compliant or check on the compliance history of any license child care center or licensed group family child care home, you may contact the New York State Office of Children and Family services at 1-800-732-5207 between hours of 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.
If you have a concern about a child day care provider or program and you would like to register a complaint we encourage you to call:
Child Care Support Services (607) 432-0061
or
New York State Office of Children and Family Services (800) 732-5207