More About Mandated Health and Safety Training

Caring for children in family day care or group family day care program is a big responsibility. The health and safety of children in care is the highest priority for both the provider and for the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

To ensure that new providers are prepared for this responsibility, they must complete health and safety training approved by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). This requirement affects anyone applying to become a family or group family day care provider after March 5, 2001.

Approved trainings include:

• Health and Safety: Competencies for Becoming a Family or Group Family Day Care Provider, developed by the SUNY Early Childhood Education and Training Program in collaboration with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
• New York State Healthy Child Care Course, developed by the American Red Cross in collaboration with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.