Licensed Daycare in New York
Find the right daycare in New York in under 5 minutes. 19,218 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against NY Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) — Division of Child Care Services. Free, no signup.
Listings updated May 2026 from official New York licensing records.
New York childcare by the numbers
New York Childcare Licensing
In New York, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the NY Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) — Division of Child Care Services. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:5 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:9 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
What's distinctive about New York: New York City alone hosts ~25% of state daycare seats. Universal Pre-K (3K + 4K) is free for all NYC children. Outside NYC, CCAP serves families up to 85% state median.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- NY Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) — Division of Child Care Services
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:5
- Preschool ratio
- 1:9
- Avg infant cost
- $2,050/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $1,430/mo
New York Daycare Costs by Age (2026)
Infant care in New York runs about $24,600/year. Family daycare homes typically cost 10–30% less than centers; Head Start is free for income-eligible families. Toddler & school-age figures are estimates derived from New York center averages.
Estimate your exact costHow to Get Childcare Help in New York
-
1
Check eligibility for NY Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Most New York families earning up to ~85% of state median income qualify for childcare subsidy assistance.
-
2
Apply early — waitlists are common. Quality infant programs in New York often have 3–12 month waitlists. Start during pregnancy if you can. Intake line: (800) 345-5437.
-
3
Stack federal help. The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit (20–35% of up to $6,000) and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 pre-tax) apply regardless of state subsidy.
-
4
Verify the license before you sign. Confirm current status in the NY Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) — Division of Child Care Services database and tour during operating hours.
Top Cities for Daycare in New York
View all cities →New York Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
New York families can apply for NY Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.
Local intake line: (800) 345-5437
Official New York & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
Daycare in New York — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in New York is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in New York?
How much does daycare cost in New York?
Are subsidies available for childcare in New York?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a New York daycare?
Where to get childcare help in New York
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programNY Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(800) 345-5437 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with NY Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) — Division of Child Care Services.
Official license searchHow this data is sourced. Listings for New York are compiled from official NY Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) — Division of Child Care Services licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 19,218 Licensed New York Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.