New Training Requirement for Day Care Providers

If you are currently licensed or registered to provide day care in New York State these changes affect you! Please read this information carefully.

• Introduction
• How do I know if this new law affects me?
• How does the new law affect my training requirements?
• What kind of training do I need?
• Why do I need to take training?
• When should I take training?
• Can I take the training at any time?
• Do I need to take any training before I apply for a license or registration?
• If I already have certain skills, can I choose training in other topics?
• Is there a "30 hour class" I can take?
• Where can I get training?
• How much does training cost?
• Is money available to pay for the training I want to take?
• How can I prove that I took the training?

All registered/licensed child day care providers in New York State are regulated by law. On September 6, 2000 Governor George E. Pataki signed into law the Quality Child Care and Protection Act. This information explains changes to the training requirements established by this law. These changes affect all child day care providers in New York State. Please read this information carefully.

Other changes to the regulations affect inspections, criminal background checks and other areas of your child day care program. If you'd like to learn more about the changes, contact your registrar/licensor, your regional office of the Office of Children and Family Services, your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency or your legislator.

How do I know if this new law affects me?

If you are a child day care provider registered or licensed through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (NYSOCFS) or by the New York City Department of Health, you must meet the new training requirements in order to renew your registration or license if it expires after March 5, 2001.

How does the new law affect my training requirements?

The number of training hours for each registration/license period has been increased.

Instead of 15 hours of training, you must now take 30 hours of training during your registration/license period.

If your registration or license is brand new, or you are a new employee at a day care center, 15 hours of this training must be taken within the first six months of your first registration/license, or employment period.

What kind of training do I need?

Your training must include all of the following topics:

• Principles of childhood development, including the appropriate supervision of children, meeting the needs of children enrolled in the program with physical or emotional challenges and behavior management and discipline;
• Safety and security procedures, including communication between parents and staff;
• Child abuse and maltreatment identification and prevention;
• Statutes and regulations pertaining to child day care;
• Nutrition and health needs of children;
• Business record maintenance and management;
• Child day care program development;
• Statutes and regulations pertaining to child abuse and maltreatment;
• Education and information on the identification, diagnosis and prevention of shaken baby syndrome.

Why do I need to take training?

Training will give you more knowledge and skills to help you best meet the needs of children. Studies have shown that the quality of care you provide increases as your level of training and education increases. You also show the families that you continually strive to improve your abilities.

When should I take training?

You must take training on an on-going basis in order to meet the training requirements for renewal of your registration/license. You can find your renewal period on your certificate. Your registrar/licensor can explain the training requirements in more detail.

Can I take the training at any time?

It is a good idea to plan ahead. The training you want to take may be offered only once a year or it may be spread out over several months. Planning ahead will help avoid any delays in renewing your registration/ license.

Do I need to take any training before I apply for a license or registration?

If you are applying for a family day care registration or group family day care license after March 5, 2001, you need to take some specific training in health and safety. This training must be completed before your registration/license is issued. For information about where to get this training, contact your regional office.

If I already have certain skills, can I choose training in other topics?

Yes, but this option is available only after you renew your registration/license for the first time.

You must show that you have the necessary skills and experience in one of two ways:

• If you can demonstrate basic competence in a specific topic area, you can choose from the remaining topic areas.
• If you can demonstrate education or work experience in a specific topic area you can choose not to take additional training in that topic area. For example, if you are a Licensed Practical Nurse, you might not be required to take training in "health needs of infants and children" in order to renew your registration/license.

In either case, you will still need to take a total of 30 hours of training and cover all other required topic areas.

If you are planning to demonstrate basic competency, knowledge or experience in a specific topic area, you should contact your registrar/licensor ahead of time to avoid any delays in renewing your registration/license.

Is there a "30 hour class" I can take?

There is not a specific "30 hour class" or training series that you are required to take. Many different organizations offer training that might be appropriate for you.

Where can I get training?

Some organizations that might have training appropriate for child care providers include:

• American Red Cross offices
• BOCES
• Chambers of Commerce
• Child care networks and agencies
• Child Care Resource and Referral agencies (CCR&Rs)
• Cornell Cooperative Extension offices
• HMOs/insurance companies/tax preparers
• Libraries
• Local Departments of Health
• Local family child care associations
• National and statewide child care associations (for example: National Association for the Education of Young Children; Family Child Care Association of New York State)
• SUNY Early Childhood Education and Training Program
• Small Business Development Centers
• United Way

Contact these organizations directly to find out what they offer. The Child Care Resource and Referral agency (CCR&R) or Child Care Council in your area offers a calendar of training and educational opportunities.

How much does training cost?

Contact each training organization directly to ask about the cost of the training you want to take.

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) funds free videoconference trainings that are held in the evenings at sites across the state. To obtain a registration form, call the SUNY Early Childhood Education and Training Program at (518) 443-5940 or toll-free at (888) 399-0549.

Is money available to pay for the training I want to take?

You may be eligible for scholarship funds from OCFS that are available through the Educational Incentive Program (EIP). The EIP promotes the professional and career development of those working in the field of child care.

Eligible providers can use EIP funds toward educational and training activities, including credit and non-credit courses that lead to the fulfillment of the 30-hour training requirement. To request an EIP application, call 1-800-295-9616.

How can I prove that I took the training?

You need to keep accurate records of the trainings you attend, including any attendance certificates. You must show this information when you renew your registration/license or if your program is inspected by your registrar/licensor.

Remember...
Working with children and families is an important responsibility. Training is an important part of your responsibility as a registered or licensed child day care provider. By developing a plan for your professional growth you demonstrate your commitment to the children in your care and their families.