The New York City Health Department and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services regulate most child care settings. The Health Department inspects and issues permits, licenses and annual reports for New York City sites.
The licenses for daycares and preschools regulate below amongst other things:
- Maximum amount of children allowed in care
- In compliance with Fire Department and Buildings Department regulations
- Practice of regular fire drills
- Everyone who works at the site must be screened to be with children
- Staff must be in good health, as certified by a health care provider, and get a medical checkup
- Staff trained in recognizing the signs of child abuse
- Have more than one exit and an emergency evacuation plan
- Have adequate toilet and sink facilities equipped with soap and paper towels
- Confirm that enrolled children have had a complete physical examination and received all required immunizations
- Keep a first-aid kit accessible
- Have a caregiver on site who is certified in C.P.R.
State law now requires that licensed programs post a restaurant-style grade card that is visible to the public. That lets families know that a program is licensed.
“The point of a DOH license is to ensure the safety and health of the children in care and that the facility is safe under normal operating conditions as well as in emergency ones.” — Eileen Shannon, Executive Director Open House Nursery School
“While we don’t love maintaining paperwork and undergoing time-consuming inspections, Open House appreciates the oversight as well as the training and assistance in meeting standards from the Department of Health.” — Carey Johnson, Director of Operations Open House Nursery School
“Being a licensed group family daycare provider ensures us to be up-to-date with the best operating procedures for health, safety and education. The annual inspections ensure us to have all of our paperwork, health and safety forms as well as emergency procedures planned and practiced.” – Esther Chakoff, Director of DUMBO Gan (Chabad of DUMBO)
“DOH requirements are complex and extensive. The license achieved to run a preschool ensures that the school follows all health/safety standards, has qualified/educated/approved staff, ensures that all children are being provided with an enriched curriculum.” – Susan Kuhlmann, Director Building Bridges Preschool
“Our DOH license is an assurance that our school has passed a rigorous annual review: our space is safe, our staff is highly trained, and our program represents the best in developmentally appropriate practice. Parents understand that our license confirms we are providing the highest quality of care and education. Performance records are publicly available, and they are a great first resource for parents looking for exceptional preschool programs.” – Kristin Brady, Director Cobble Hill Playschool
Preschool and daycare licenses by the New York City Department of Health can be found here, group family daycare licenses by the New York State Office of Family and Children Services can be found here.
The Department of Health (DOH) has closed unlicensed programs in the past in our neighborhood which caused various complications for families including lost tuition and being stranded without a preschool in the middle of the school year.
Our Preschool and Daycare Guide features 38 licensed programs in Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Boerum Hill, Downtown Brooklyn, Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens. It also features free Universal Pre-K programs for 4 year olds. Download our Guide here.
