The information provided on this page is a basic outline of New York Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of New York. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
NEW YORK Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
NYS OCFS Division of Child Care Services
South Building, Room 309, 52 Washington Street, Rensselaer, NY 12144-2796
https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/childcare/regs/418-1-DCC.pdf
(518) 474-9454
License renewal is required every two years.
Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per Child
|
|
<6 Weeks |
6 Weeks – 18 Mos. |
18-36 Mos. |
3 Years |
4 Years |
5 Years |
6-9 Years |
10-12 Years |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher:Child Ratio |
1:3 |
1:4 |
1:5 |
1:7 |
1:8 |
1:9 |
1:10 |
1:15 |
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
6 |
8 |
12 |
18 |
21 |
24 |
20 |
30 |
|
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
6 |
8 |
10 |
14 |
16 |
18 |
20 |
30 |
|
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
210 sf. |
280 sf. |
350 sf. |
490 sf. |
560 sf. |
630 sf. |
700 sf. |
1050 sf. |
|
Outdoor Space Recommendation: 75 sf per Child
- Ground level play area must be enclosed by a 5′ high climb-proof fence.
- If the building is permitted to have a child care center on the top floor, then the roof may be considered for a playground.
- Roof top used as playground must be enclosed with a 10′ high fence with an extension angled 45 degrees inward towards play area.
- There needs to be two separate means of egress from the roof for evacuation purposes. The fire escape cannot be considered a means of egress.
Building Code Requirements
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1:15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
|
3 |
No child care allowed above the third floor. No infant and toddler care above ground level. |
30 |
Evacuation drills must be conducted at least monthly during the hours of operation. |
3,000 |
One fire extinguisher for every 3,000 square feet of space. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you know . . .
 |
The use of electronic devices for personal and social entertainment be caregivers is prohibited. |  |
The use of electronic devices for necessary communications directly related to the childcare program is allowable. |  |
Do not block in-coming calls from parents, representatives of the office or agents of the state or local government during the hours of operation of the center. |
|---|
Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2017