A record number of parents with very young children today are in the workforce. In fact, more than half of the infants and toddlers in the United States spend time in child care each week. The Better Baby Care Campaign New York City is an effort to improve the quality of care for children under age three. This clearinghouse provides information and support to New York’s caregivers, as well as to parents of infants and toddlers. Where possible, we have included linkages to resources statewide.
New York City Better Baby Care Campaign
(Click here for the Executive Summary)
National Better Baby Care Campaign
Please fill out the Feedback Form to offer any additional information or resources, or if you find any errors on this site.
Starting or Expanding a Child Care Program
Literacy Activities for Infants and Toddlers
Funding and Tuition Assistance
If you are a child care provider, or are thinking about becoming a child care provider, your county’s Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) Organization may be a good resource. They provide technical assistance and training, and, if you are interested in providing family child care, may also be able to provide you with start-up funding. Many CCRRs also maintain lending libraries of toys and equipment.
Child Care, Inc. (New York City)
Child Care Resource and Referral Organizations throughout New York
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services provides assistance in starting a child care program. Find the office nearest you.
You may be able to use a Grant from the Office of Children and Family Services to help you start or expand your child care center or school age child care program. Use the link above to request a grant application.
How to Become a Family Child Care Provider in New York City is a recruitment booklet that helps you make an informed decision about becoming a family child care provider.
Child care programs, whether they are Centers, Family Child Care Homes, or Group Family Child Care Homes, must comply with all state (and, in the case of New York City, city) regulations. These regulations are explained below, with links to the regulations themselves.
Family and Group Family Child Care:
Providers of Family and Group Family Child Care in New York City and throughout the state must comply with regulations defined by the state’s Office of Children and Family Services. (Family Child Care is defined as not more than 3-6 children in the home of an unrelated family, with not more than two children under the age of two years. Group Family Child Care is defined as not more than 7-12 children in the home of an unrelated family, with not more than four children under the age of two years.) Once regulations are met, the program is registered to operate in New York City. New York City’s Department of Health is responsible for monitoring and enforcing regulations for Family and Group Family Child Care.
Regulations for Providers of Family and Group Family Child Care in New York City
Center-Based Care:
Providers of Center Care, Head Start Programs, Pre-schools and Infant Programs, including those for children with special needs, in New York City must comply with regulations defined by the city’s Department of Health. (Centers are defined as 7 or more children in an institutional setting.) Once regulations are met, the program is licensed to operate in New York City. New York City’s Department of Health is responsible for monitoring and enforcing regulations for Center Care.
Regulations for Day Care Centers in New York City
Providers of Center Care, Head Start Programs, Pre-schools and Infant Programs, including those for children with special needs, in New York State must comply with regulations defined by the state’s Office of Children and Family Service (OCFS). (Centers are defined as 7 or more children cared for in an institutional setting. Small Centers are defined as 3-6 children cared for in an institutional setting.)Once regulations are met, the program is licensed to operate in New York OCFS is responsible for monitoring and enforcing regulations for Center Care.
Regulations for Day Care and Small Day Care Centers in New York State.
Child Care and the Americans with Disabilities Act:
Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), published by the U.S. Department of Justice
If you have further questions about child care centers or other requirements of the ADA, you may call the U.S. Department of Justice's toll-free ADA Information Line at: 800-514-0301 (voice) or 800-514-0383 (TDD).
Comprehensive information on children’s health
Many useful links, including oral health, nutrition, and mental health, from Bright Futures.
Health from Sesame Street Workshop, including Advice for Parents and Games and Activities for Children
Asthma:
Asthma Facts is a publication produced by the New York City Department of Health. (You’ll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this file; to download it now, click here ).
The Asthma Action Line is an information and referral source on asthma: 1-877-ASTHMA-0 or 1-877-278-4620 (Callers with urgent breathing problems should call their medical provider or 911).
Bronx-Lebanon Hospital in the Bronx operates a 24-hour Asthma hotline through its Pediatric Asthma center: (718) 583-7310.
Bronx-Lebanon, or your local hospital, may also be able to offer you, and your coworkers, with a training session about asthma. Call the hotline or your local hospital for information.
Asthma Articles from Sesame Street Workshop
The American Lung Association provides information on asthma and its management and treatment.
Lead Poisoning Prevention from the New York City Department of Health.
For more information about lead poisoning, call the New York City Department of Health’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program: (212) BAN-LEAD, (212) 226-5223, TDD 212) 442-1820, or one of these additional resource centers.
Immunizations information from the New York City Department of Health.
New York City Department of Health offers training sessions to child care providers on immunization schedules for young children. To schedule a training, call the Community Outreach and Health education Section of the Department at (212) 676-2280 or (212) 676-2259 (Fax: (212) 676-2300 or (212) 442-8091). Your local hospital may also be able to offer you, and your coworkers, with a training session about immunizations. Call your local hospital for information.
The Citywide Immunization Registry keeps immunization records for New York City’s Children. Parents or guardians can request a record of immunizations from the Department of Health.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)/ Back to Sleep
Babies Sleep Safest on their Backs, a caregiver brochure from the Back to Sleep Campaign
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, affects children under 12 months of age. Follow these instructions for sleeping babies from the National Consumer Product Safety Commission to keep your baby safe.
If you have any other questions, contact the Back to Sleep Campaign
toll-free, 1-800-505-2742. Or write to: Back to Sleep/NICHD,
Resources for Caregivers of Children with Special Needs, From A to Z, from the National Network for Child Care.
Signs a Child May Need Extra Help , and where to get it, from the New York State Department of Health.
About the Developmental Assessment for young children, the first step in determining if a child has special needs.
Early Intervention Program in New York City
Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc., an independent nonprofit organization in New York City.
Getting Help: Early Intervention in New York State
Early Childhood Direction Centers (ECDCs) provide information about programs and services for young children, ages birth through five, who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities and help families obtain services for their children: Click here for Locations .
National Information Center for Children with Disabilities
Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc.
Other Special Education Resources on the Internet.
The Brooklyn Public Library provides special programs for Special Needs children from birth to age nine.
The Consumer Safety Product Commission offers comprehensive information on the following topics: child safety; children's furniture; safety in the car; crib safety and SIDS prevention ; and toy safety. If you have any other questions about the toys and equipment you use to care for children, contact the Commission at 1-800-638-CPSC (1-800-638-2772), or look on their website.
Caring for Infants and Toddlers in Groups: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, from Zero to Three.
TeachingStrategies.com offer several guides to developmentally appropriate care for infants and toddlers, specific resources for Family Child Care Providers, and rich materials on quality classrooms for teachers of preschool-age children.
Research on the importance of high-quality early care includes the Cost, Quality and Outcomes Study and a longitudinal study conducted by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).
Issues of Family Child Care Connections, a newsletter for caregivers.
Baby Workshop from Sesame Street Workshop
Finger Plays and Rhymes in English and Spanish from Zero to Three
Bridges to Literacy, an informational publication from Zero to Three
Activities at The New York Public Library
Activities at The Brooklyn Public Library
Activities at The Queens Borough Public Library
National Child Care Information Center (has many reading materials)
Sesame Street: Language to Literacy
Coping After a Traumatic Event from Zero to Three
Child Care, Inc. provides a broad range of trainings for providers of care to infants, toddlers, and school-age children. Click here for up-to-date listings and information about training events.
The
Child Development Support Corporation offers regular trainings for
Family Child Care Providers, including some emphasizing care of infants and
toddlers, as well as less frequent trainings for Center Providers.
For the most up-to-date information, call the CDSC at (718) 398-6370.
The Chinese-American Planning Council conducts comprehensive, Chinese-language trainings in health and safety and child development, including trainings tailored for care of infants and toddlers. For current offerings and registration information, call the Council at (212) 941-0030.
The Committee for Hispanic Children and Families offers comprehensive, Spanish-language trainings on health and safety, nutrition and bereavement, as well as other topics. For current offerings and registration information, call the Committee at (212) 206-8043.
The Day Care Council of NY may also offer trainings; contact them at (212) 213-2423.
New Training Requirements for Registered or Licensed Child Care Providers in New York State
This 120-hour certificate program prepares workers for employment at child care centers, head start programs, family child care programs, and other child care programs. Learn about the CDA at the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition. For more information on how to obtain your CDA, contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral Organization.
Specialized CDA: Infant Toddler Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) The Division of Continuing Education at Bank Street College of Education offers a CDA program designed for professionals, both new and currently working in the field of early childhood education, who seek to enhance their skills and understanding of children under the age of three. For more information, contact the Division of Continuing Education at 212-875-4513.
Click here for Early Childhood Teacher Preparation Institutions in New York State.
In addition, Borough of Manhattan Community College has a program in Infant and Toddler Care that results in an Applied Associate of Science (AAS) degree. This Associates Degree is excellent preparation for work with infants and toddlers and for transfer to four-year colleges. It supports the work of infant toddler caregivers who wish to increase their knowledge and skills and obtain the credits they need to advance in their careers. Courses are conducted evenings and weekends as well as during the day.
Infant and Toddler Care Certificate of Completion Program The Certificate of Completion is a 12 college credit hour sequence offered at the undergraduate level. The sequence consists of three courses, each containing a practicum requirement. You may be apply to use Educational Incentive Funds to help cover the cost of tuition, see below). Further information can be obtained by calling the New York State Career Development Initiative Office at (518) 463-8663, or email: cdi@earlychildhood.org
Video Teleconferences Each month, a live satellite broadcast is provided on a child care topic. More than 80 sites carry the broadcast and provide co-trainer support. Video Conference training allows providers to learn from experts and other child care providers while networking with other professionals. The training includes: A live broadcast; discussion with panelists including national and state experts as well as child care providers; opportunities for interaction at each training site; activities to apply what you have learned; and extensive handouts and resource materials.
Independent Study Program The Child Care Provider Independent Study program gives you the training you need and fits in with your schedule. This training can be used toward fulfillment of New York State Office of Children and Family Services training requirements for child care providers. Each Independent Study unit consists of: a study guide, a videotape, and an assignment book. Click on the link above for more information, or call (888) 399-0549. Click here to complete an application.
The Council for Professional Recognition works to improve the professional status of early childhood workers and helps to meet the growing need for qualified child care staff. The Council’s mission is to increase the status and recognition of early care and education professionals who care for children from birth through 5 years of age in child care centers, family child care homes, and as home visitors.
Early Childhood Direction Centers (ECDCs) throughout New York State provide free training for parents of young children with disabilities and other special needs and the professionals who work with them.
Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc. conducts trainings for both parents and professionals in rights, regulations, and best use of community resources.
Browse through offerings or call 212) 677-4650 for more complete information.
Advocates for Children of New York offers extensive information about Special Education Law and a breakdown of Special Education services in New York City, as well as links to resources throughout the web.
Educational Incentive Program The New York State Office of Children and Family Services offers an Educational Incentive Program. If you meet income requirements, you may receive a scholarship toward the cost of some kinds of training. Click above, or call (800)295-9616 or (212)213-2423 for more information. Click here to download an application, or call 1-800-295-9616.
Professional Retention Grants If you work at a licensed or registered child care program, you may be eligible for a cash grant. The Office of Child and Family Services’ Professional Retention Program, and how to apply, is described here:
TEACH Early Childhood New York Program TEACH (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps) is a model scholarship program developed by the Day Care Services Association in North Carolina. It is designed to provide a comprehensive and integrated structure for a variety of scholarship initiatives for people working in early care and education.
More Information on Scholarships and Financial Planning
The Administration for Children and Families is the federal agency funding state, local, and tribal organizations to provide family assistance (welfare), child support, child care, Head Start, child welfare, and other programs relating to children and families.
Advocates for Children of New York offers extensive information about Special Education Law and a breakdown of Special Education services in New York City, as well as links to resources throughout the web.
The American Academy of Pediatrics works to attain optimal physical, mental and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
The Association of SIDS and Infant Mortality Programs (ASIP, formerly ASPP, Association of SIDS Program Professionals) is an association of health and human service providers committed to bereavement support and risk reduction activities.
Better Baby Care National Campaign is a national effort to improve the early care of infants and toddlers.
The Career Development Initiative of New York State works to strengthen the professional development of the adults working in the field, as well as to establish a comprehensive and integrated early childhood and school-age child care career development system in New York State.
Child Care Aware is a non-profit initiative committed to helping parents find the best information on locating quality child care and child care resources
The Children’s Defense Fund The mission of the Children's Defense Fund is to Leave No Child Behind and to ensure every child a Healthy Start , a Head Start , a Fair Start , a Safe Start , and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.
Council for Exceptional Children , the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted.
Council for Professional Recognition works to increase the status and recognition of early care and education professionals who care for children from birth through 5 years of age in child care centers, family child care homes, and as home visitors.
Early Head Start National Resource Center
I Am Your Child is a national public awareness and engagement campaign to make early childhood development a top priority for our nation.
The National Academy Press publishes research by the National Research Council, including From Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood Development, which you can read free online.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the nation's largest and most influential organization of early childhood educators and others dedicated to improving the quality of programs for children from birth through third grade. italic'>Membership is open to all who share a desire to serve and act on behalf of the needs and rights of young children.
The National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Organizations (NACCRRA) is a national network offering many services to early childhood providers and policy makers, including training opportunities, symposia, conferences and publications,
The National Association of Family Child Care Providers serves as a permanent national voice for family child care providers.
The National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) exists to improve and protect the quality of life of African American children and their families.
The National Center for Early Development and Learning is a national early childhood research project supported by the US Dept. of Education. It focuses on enhancing the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children from birth through age eight.
The National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities is the national information and referral center that provides information on disabilities and disability-related issues for families, educators, and other professionals.
The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), created by Congress in 1962, supports and conducts research on topics related to the health of children, adults, families, and populations.
The National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care is funded by the U.S Maternal and Child Health Bureau. It promotes health and safety in out-of-home child care settings throughout the nation.
The New York State Association for the Education of Young Children advocates for improving the education and welfare of New York’s children ages birth through eight years.
New York State Office of Children & Family Services provides a range of resources to help parents with their child care needs, people who want to start or are currently running child care programs, and anyone with a concern about the health or safety of a child in a child care program. These resources are available throughout New York State and can be accessed by a phone call to one of the Regional Offices.
Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc., an independent nonprofit organization in New York City.
Sinergia is a not-for-profit agency which offers services to developmentally disabled persons and their families, promoting independence and opportunity.
US Department of Health and Human Services
Zero to Three National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families is the nation's leading informational resource center on the first three years of life.
Literacy Activities For Infants And Toddlers
Young children may be cared for by a relative, in the home of a provider, or in a child care center tailored to infants and toddlers. To find out more about different kinds of child care, visit Kinds of Child Care Described ( En Espaňol ), offered by New York State’s Office of Children and Family Services.
If you are looking for child care, the Child Care Resource and Referral Organization (CCR&R) in your county is a great place to start. They will ask you about the kind of care you are looking for, the ages of your children, the hours of care you need and other specifics such as any special needs your child might have. Based on that information, they will be able to give you a list of providers that most closely meet your needs. Remember, though, this list is just a starting point - you will need to contact the provider to see if they have space for your child and you will want to visit the child care provider you select to make sure for yourself that this is the right match for you.
Child Care, Inc.’s Referral Service (New York City) Where to Call: Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies throughout New York.
Five Steps to Safe and Healthy Care from Child Care Aware
Choosing a Caregiver, from Zero to Three
Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), published by the U.S. Department of Justice
Matching Your Infant’s or Toddler’s Style to the Right Child Care Setting
;Relative Care: Making a Decision
New Infant: Preparing to Choose Care from the National Network for Child Care
Checklist on Choosing Childcare from the Office of Child and Family Services
If you are a working parent or using child care, you may be eligible for special tax benefits. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), sometimes called the Earned Income Credit (EIC), is a refundable Federal income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families…When the EITC exceeds the amount of taxes owed, it results in a tax refund to those who claim and qualify for the credit. The EITC Eligibility Checklist on the last page of IRS' Publication 596, Earned Income Credit, may be used to quickly determine eligibility for the credit. Call your local Child Care Resource and Referral Organization for help taking advantage of the EITC.
The Child Care Credit may help offset the cost of child care. Call your local Child Care Resource and Referral Organization to take advantage of the Child Care Credit.
Bridges to Literacy, an informational publication from Zero to Three
Activities at The New York Public Library
Activities at The Brooklyn Public Library
Activities at The Queens Borough Public Library
Comprehensive information on children’s health—including oral health, nutrition, and mental health—is available from Bright Futures.
Asthma Articles from Sesame Street Workshop
Asthma Facts is a publication produced by the New York City Department of Health. (You’ll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this file; to download it now, click here).
The Asthma Action Line is an information and referral source on asthma: 1-877-ASTHMA-0 or 1-877-278-4620 (Callers with urgent breathing problems should call their medical provider or 911).
Bronx-Lebanon Hospital in the Bronx operates a 24-hour Asthma hotline through its Pediatric Asthma center: (718) 583-7310. Bronx-Lebanon, or your local hospital, may also be able to offer you, and your coworkers, with a training session about asthma. Call the hotline or your local hospital for information.
Asthma Articles from Sesame Street Workshop
The American Lung Association provides information on asthma and its management and treatment.
Lead Poisoning Prevention from the New York City Department of Health.
For more information about lead poisoning, call the New York City Department of Health’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program: (212) BAN-LEAD, (212) 226-5223, TDD (212) 442-1820, or one of these additional resource centers.
Immunizations information from the New York City Department of Health.
New York City Department of Health offers training sessions to child care providers on immunization schedules for young children. To schedule a training, call the Community Outreach and Health education Section of the Department at (212) 676-2280 or (212) 676-2259 (Fax: (212) 676-2300 or (212) 442-8091). Your local hospital may also be able to offer you, and your coworkers, with a training session about immunizations. Call your local hospital for information.
The Citywide Immunization Registry keeps immunization records for New York City’s Children. Parents or guardians can request a record of immunizations from the Department of Health.
For additional information about immunizations, call the city hotline at 212-676-2277.
Babies Sleep Safest on their Backs, a caregiver brochure from the Back to Sleep Campaign
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, affects children under 12 months of age. Follow these instructions for sleeping babies from the National Consumer Product Safety Commission to keep your baby safe.
If you have any other questions, contact the Back to Sleep Campaign toll-free, 1-800-505-2742. Or write to: Back to Sleep/NICHD, 31 Center Drive, Room 2A32, Bethesda, MD, 20892-2425.
The Consumer Safety Product Commission offers comprehensive information on the following topics: child safety; children's furniture ; crib safety and SIDS prevention; and toy safety. If you have any other questions about the toys and equipment you use to care for children, contact the Commission at 1-800-638-CPSC (1-800-638-2772), or look on their website.
Parenting A to Z from Zero to Three, with resources on Play, Toilet Training, Routines and much, much more.
Welcome to Parenting: A Family Guide from the New York State Department of Health, with topics including caring for your baby, dealing with problems, taking care of yourself, and finding help and support in your neighborhood.
Baby Workshop from Sesame Street Workshop
Sesame Street: Language to Literacy
Parenting Resources from the New York Public Library
Choosing Quality Child Care for a Child with Special Needs
Council for Exceptional Children, the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted.
Child Care and the Americans with Disabilities Act
Signs Your Child May Need Extra Help
A Parent’s Guide to Early Intervention
Parent to Parent of New York provides emotional support and information to parents of children with special needs in New York State. Parent to Parent is based on the philosophy that parents, who themselves have experienced the joys and frustrations of parenting a child with special needs, can offer new parents a valuable resource. For more information, browse the website ot call Carolyn Schimanski, Statewide Director, in the Capital Region Office at 1-800-305-8817, or email her at carolyn@parenttoparentnys.org.
About the Developmental Assessment
Assessment in New York State: Guide for Parents
Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc., an independent nonprofit organization in New York City.
Early Intervention Program in New York City
Getting Help: Early Intervention in New York State
Exceptional Parent Magazine
National Information Center for Children with Disabilities
The National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities is the national information and referral center that provides information on disabilities and disability-related issues for families, educators, and other professionals.
The Brooklyn Public Library provides special programs for Special Needs children from birth to age nine.
Resources for Caregivers of Children with Special Needs
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Child Development Support Corporation
Chinese-American Planning Council
Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York
Children’s Defense Fund—New York
Committee for Hispanic Children and Families
Family Child Care Citywide Association Provider Support Network
Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies
Infant/Toddler Coalition
National Black Child Development Institute
New York Affiliate; New York State Paid Family and Medical Leave Coalition
New York University Child and Family Policy Center
New York University Head Start Quality Improvement Center