Start A Child Care Business

Do you love children? Do you wish you could stay home with your children, but your family depends on your income? Consider becoming a New York State licensed/certified child care provider!

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Benefits of starting your own child care business:

• Be part of the exciting process of helping children grow & learn
• Receive information on training and events
• Earn income while being at home with your own children
• Care for up to two infants (6 weeks to 2 yrs. old), four children ages (2 & up), and two school age children
• Claim tax deductions for the business use of your home
• Receive referrals from our agency when parents are looking for child care
• Have access to professional support & networking with other licensed providers
• Receive reimbursements from the Child & Adult Care Food Program
• BE YOUR OWN BOSS - SET YOUR OWN HOURS!

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Market Rates for Family/Group Family Day Care Paid by County

Age of Child	Under 2 Yrs. Old	2 Yrs. Old	3-5 Yrs. Old	6-12 Yrs. Old
Weekly	$279.00	$265.00	$263.00	$236.00
Daily	$58.00	$56.00	$53.00	$53.00
Part Day	$39.00	$37.00	$35.00	$35.00

Source: OCFS Website 2024

If all your spots are full in your Family Day Care and you are licensed/registered, you can earn (Totals double with Group Family):

Weekly	$2,082.00
Monthly	$8,328.00
Yearly	$99,935.00

Source: OCFS Website 2024

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How To Start Your Own Child Care Business

To start your business, you must apply to become a licensed/registered child care provider. Follow the steps below.

1. Watch the OCFS Child Day Care Orientation Video: This will take 1.5 hours to complete. Progress must be tracked to request an application (Log in from the same computer/device). You can check your progress by clicking ‘My Progress’ at the top of the page.

2. Request An Application: After the orientation is completed, you can request an application. At this point, you can contact the Child Care Council of CCE Oneida for help completing the application. The application does not need to be submitted all at once, and our team can help you to work through any questions you may have.

3. Complete & Submit Your Application: A request from ‘pop@ocfs.ny.gov’ will be sent to your email containing your login information to access the application. Be sure to check your junk mail, if you don’t see it in your regular inbox. Applications are in the process of migrating from paper to an online platform called FAMS. Also, if you are getting errors anywhere in the orientation video process, FAMS account or application request, please contact us.

4. Prepare The Following Documents: After OCFS receives your application, you will need to prepare: References & Qualifications, Fingerprinting & Criminal Background Check for everyone in the home (18 & up), Proof of recent physical for everyone in the home, Information on a substitute, Site Information, and Program Information.

5. Start Your Training Requirements: A licensing/registrar representative will contact you to schedule an inspection of your home to make sure that it meets all NYS Child Care Regulations and requirements. Once your application is received by OCFS, you can complete the required 15 Hour Health & Safety Competency Training. We offer this training at our office.

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Once you are a licensed/registered provider, you may work with the Child Care Council of CCE Oneida to go over the necessary steps in starting your business! 

Last updated May 5, 2025