Child Care Centers

• Licensed and regulated by New York State.
• Director and staff must meet academic requirements.
• Groups of children are separated by age and developmental needs and group sizes are determined by state regulations (See Supervision of Children).
• Most operate year-round and have hours suitable for a standard workday.
• Larger numbers of children than other types of care.
• May be accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Many parents prefer a center-based program for older children who might benefit from a little more structure than you'd find with in-home or family child care. It's also an appealing option if you want your child to be with peers of the same age.

Click here to find out what to look for and questions to ask when choosing a Child Care Center.