May 16, 2022
Infant Formula Shortages
On May 12, 2022, Governor Hochul announced resources for New York families amid nationwide infant formula shortages. Please visit the OCFS website for details or go to
the Governor's site for more information.
Please share this information with impacted families!
Mar 28, 2022
Mar 28, 2022
Sabe usted que: ¿no puede ver, oler o probar el plomo en el agua?
Haciendo una prueba es la única forma de saber si hay plomo presente. La Oficina de Servicios para
Niños y Familias (OCFS, por sus siglas en inglés) se enorgullece de implementar el Programa de Pruebas de Plomo
en el Agua Potable, sin costo alguno, para centros de cuidado infantil autorizados y registrados.
Visite la página web de la OCFS para obtener
más información y conocer todos los detalles sobre este programa.
Mar 28, 2022
Mar 28, 2022
Mar 15, 2022
Mar 03, 2022
For Licensed, Registered, or Legally Exempt Group Providers...
Effective March 2, 2022, masks are no longer required in child care programs.
Children and staff may continue to wear a mask if they prefer to do so.
Efectivo marzo 2, 2022, las máscaras no serán requeridas en los programas de cuidado infantil.
El personal y los niños pueden continuar usando una máscara si así lo prefieren.
Jan 28, 2022
Jan 20, 2022
The newest eLearning course, "Child Care Requirements and Resources for Legally Exempt Providers" is available for training.
This fully narrated course explains how to use the resources in the Enrollment Information Packet for Legally Exempt Providers (OCFS-7026) to promote children's health and safety.
It summarizes circumstances under which providers are required to contact families and enrollment agencies. The course also describes the different kinds of inspections that programs
and providers may undergo, how to prepare for them, and what to expect during an inspection.
This course will provide you with 1.5 hours of training in the following OCFS training topics:
- Safety and Security
- Nutrition and Health
- Business Records
- Statutes and Regulations Pertaining to Child Day Care
- Child Care Program
Register today.
Jan 19, 2022
Jan 19, 2022
Jan 03, 2022
Dec 31, 2021
Dec 20, 2021
Dec 17, 2021
Dec 17, 2021
Directors and Trainers— are you looking for in-service training opportunities?
On-Demand Training gives you 24/7 access to 21 training topics. They include handout materials,
activities, and directions for conducting On-Demand Training sessions. Directors and/or qualified
trainers in child day care centers and school-age child care programs can apply to become On-Demand
Trainers.
You can also apply to deliver On-Demand Training virtually through 6/30/22. Our 21 On-Demand
courses are now available for scheduling from today until 9/30/22.
Learn more about On-Demand Training!
Dec 03, 2021
Dec 02, 2021
EIP is now accepting applications for the 2022 scholarship year.
We are pleased to announce an upgraded application system
with the start of the 2022 scholarship year. The new features remove nearly 100% of paper-based communications.
Applicants will upload application supporting documents during the application submission process.
Applications and awards will be signed electronically, and notifications regarding status changes and
reminder emails will be automatically sent. Training must begin and end in 2022 to be considered for a scholarship.
The 2021 scholarship year is now closed, and we are no longer accepting applications.
Nov 30, 2021
Nov 30, 2021
Nov 29, 2021
Nov 26, 2021
Nov 26, 2021
Nov 24, 2021
Nov 24, 2021
Nov 23, 2021
Are you or your staff interested in getting a COVID-19 booster?
You can use Child Care Stabilization Grant money to pay for support for getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
This can include appointments, paid sick leave, and transportation costs.
Watch these Child Care Stabilization Grant videos for more information:
Remember, the last day to apply for a Child Care Stabilization Grant is Nov. 30th!
Nov 22, 2021
Nov 19, 2021
Nov 19, 2021
Nov 18, 2021
Nov 17, 2021
Nov 17, 2021
Nov 16, 2021
Child Care Stabilization Grants.
Apply now for a Child Care Stabilization Grant! The New York State Office of Children and Family
Services (OCFS) is making federal funding available directly to qualified child care providers.
The purpose of these grants is to help you cover unexpected business costs from the COVID-19 pandemic,
and help stabilize your program so you can resume or continue providing high-quality child care.
To be eligible, your program must be in good standing and be a licensed/registered, permitted NYC
day care center (Article 47), or an enrolled legally exempt group program as of March 11, 2021.
This grant is not a loan so you don't have to pay it back. Just complete the quick and easy online
application. If you're approved, you'll have to keep records (receipts, invoices, etc.) of how you
spend the money. The online application and information are available in English, Spanish, and
multiple other languages! Find out more by going to the Stabilization Help Center website, calling
the Stabilization Help Line (844-863-9319), or by contacting your local CCR&R, union representative
(CSEA or UFT), or WHEDco. These grants are an historic investment in the field of child care.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity and apply!
Nov 03, 2021
Oct 28, 2021
Oct 28, 2021
Oct 28, 2021
Oct 26, 2021
Oct 20, 2021
Oct 20, 2021
Oct 12, 2021
Oct 12, 2021
Oct 04, 2021
Sep 30, 2021
Sep 30, 2021
Sep 27, 2021
Sep 27, 2021
Good News for EIP Scholarship Applicants!
Although the Educational Incentive Program (EIP) has depleted its funding for 2021, additional
scholarship funds have been made available through the NYS B5 Project.
The Professional Development Program (PDP) is administering these scholarship funds on behalf
of the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative (PDGB5) from the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care.
Applicants who are eligible for an EIP scholarship will instead receive a B5 scholarship to be
used in the same way as an EIP scholarship. All applicants should continue to apply as they
normally do through EIP and PDP will award the B5 scholarships with no additional steps needed
to be completed by applicants. To learn more about the NYS B5 projects, visit
The Council on Children and Families.
Sep 23, 2021
Sep 23, 2021
Sep 20, 2021
Sep 17, 2021
Emergency Face Covering Regulation.
Effective September 16, 2021, OCFS has implemented an emergency regulation mandating all people in a
child care setting to wear a mask indoors. The mandate applies to all people aged 2 and older who are
able to medically tolerate a face covering, regardless of vaccination status. For more information,
visit the OCFS website.
A partir del 16 septiembre de 2021, la Oficina de Servicios para Niños y Familias (OCFS) ha
implementado un reglamento de emergencia que obliga a todas las personas en un entorno de cuidado
infantil a usar una máscara o barbijo en espacios interiores. El mandato se aplica a todas las
personas mayores de 2 años que puedan tolerar médicamente una cobertura facial, independientemente
del estado de vacunación. Para obtener más información, visite
el sitio web de la OCFS.
Sep 13, 2021
Sep 10, 2021
Aug 27, 2021
Child Care Stabilization Grant.
Did you know you can use the
OCFS Child Care Stabilization Grant to provide you and your staff with 15-hours of classroom
Health and Safety training?
This course gives in-depth, hands-on training on keeping children safe and healthy.
From supervision to cleaning and sanitizing, you'll learn about locating and following the regulations and your
Health Care Plan. Also, a certified trainer may be able conduct the training at your site.
Contact us for more information!
Aug 25, 2021
Aug 05, 2021
Child Care Stabilization Grants.
Apply now for a Child Care Stabilization Grant!
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is making federal funding available directly to qualified child care providers. The purpose of these grants is to help you cover unexpected business costs from the COVID-19 pandemic, and help stabilize your program so you can resume or continue providing high-quality child care.
To be eligible, your program must be in good standing and be licensed/registered, permitted NYC day care center (Article 47), or an enrolled legally exempt group program as of March 11, 2021.
This grant is not a loan so you don’t have to pay it back. Just complete the quick and easy online application. If you’re approved, you’ll have to keep records (receipts, invoices, etc.) of how you spend the money.
The online application and information are available in English, Spanish, and 10 other languages! Find out more by going to the
Stabilization Help Center website , calling the Stabilization Help Line (844-863-9319), or by contacting your local CCR&R, union representative (CSEA or UFT), or WHEDco.
These grants are an historic investment in the field of child care. Take advantage of this unique opportunity and apply!
Jul 26, 2021
Jul 12, 2021
Jul 08, 2021
$25 Million Essential Worker Scholarship.
OCFS is accepting applications for the essential worker scholarship program made available through
federal funding relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. Encourage "essential worker" parents of children in
your program to consider applying. Under this grant, funding will be paid on behalf of the essential
worker directly to the program of their choice. All licensed/registered/permitted or enrolled
legally exempt group programs are eligible to receive payments, provided the program is in good
standing with OCFS. Visit the OCFS web site for
more information on eligibility and to apply.
Jul 08, 2021
Jun 23, 2021
New Virtual Class Opportunity.
Registration is now open for the newest virtual class "Supporting Mental Health through Quality Programming" on Monday, July 12th.
Join us to learn about what mental health is and why it's so important to support the mental health of children and adults.
We will also share information about environmental changes you can make in your program to improve everyone's mental health.
Capacity is limited so register today.
May 12, 2021
May 11, 2021
Apr 14, 2021
New Virtual Class Opportunity.
Registration is now open for the newest virtual class "Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) Process" on Wednesday, April 28th.
Join us for insight into special education services for children, with an emphasis on the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE).
We will also share information about communicating with families and your role as a child care provider working with children receiving special education services.
Capacity is limited, so register today.
Mar 17, 2021
Mar 15, 2021
Feb 25, 2021
Jan 26, 2021
Jan 11, 2021
The newest e-Learning course, "Supporting Language Development: Birth to 5," is available for training.
This fully narrated course focuses on supporting young children, and their families, who are dual language learners. It also briefly discusses the significance of language revitalization in Tribal child care programs. The training describes strategies you can use to promote oral language development, engage with families, and bring children's cultures and home languages into your everyday programming.
This course will provide you with 2.5 hours of training in the following OCFS training topics:
- Principles of childhood development, focusing on the developmental stages of the age groups for which the program provides care
- Child care program development
- Safety and security procedures
Register today.
Jan 04, 2021
The newest e-Learning course "Media Use and Safety with Children" is available for training.
During this fully narrated course trainees will gain information on how to keep children safe and engage in good decision making in a cyber dominant world. It will also provide alternatives to technology to encourage children to turn off their screens and be more present in the world around them when they are outside child care program hours.
This course will provide 1.5 hours of training in the following OCFS training topics:
- Principles of childhood development, focusing on the developmental stages of the age groups for which the program provides care
- Child day care program development
- Safety and security procedures
Register today.
Dec 02, 2020
Nov 02, 2020
Nov 02, 2020
Oct 22, 2020
Oct 20, 2020
Good News for EIP Scholarship Applicants!
Although the Educational Incentive Program (EIP) has depleted its funding for 2020, additional scholarship funds have been made available through the NYS B5 Project.
The Professional Development Program (PDP) is administering these scholarship funds on behalf of the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative (PDGB5) from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care.
Applicants who are eligible for an EIP scholarship will instead receive a B5 scholarship to be used in the same way as an EIP scholarship. All applicants should continue to apply as they normally do through EIP and PDP will award the B5 scholarships with no additional steps needed to be completed by applicants. To learn more about the NYS B5 projects, visit The Council on Children and Families.
Oct 16, 2020
Special live webinar training: "Supporting Children in Child Care During the COVID-19 Emergency".
Please join us for this special live webinar training taken from your personal computer.
Through a candid conversation with author, speaker and trainer, Barbara Kaiser, we will provide you with information on ways you can support children and families as childcare programs re-open or continue to provide care during the COVID-19 emergency.
This course will provide you with 1.5 hours of training.
Registration is now open but capacity is limited, so register today! Please note, you only need to register for ONE session.
Oct 16, 2020
Oct 01, 2020
Jul 30, 2020
Jul 07, 2020
Interested in Becoming an On-Demand Trainer?
Are you looking for new ways to train your staff? Do you need more flexibility with scheduling? On-Demand Training can help!
This feature gives you 24/7 access to a selection of our previously recorded webcasts, including handout materials.
Click the link above to learn more about On-Demand Training!
Jul 02, 2020
Jul 01, 2020
Jun 30, 2020
Jun 26, 2020
The Department of Health INTERIM GUIDANCE FOR CHILD CARE AND DAY CAMP PROGRAMS DURING THE COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY has been updated.
The Department of Health INTERIM GUIDANCE FOR CHILD CARE AND DAY CAMP PROGRAMS DURING THE COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY has been updated to read:
- "Responsible Parties must limit groups to 15 or fewer children/campers, excluding employees/staff, in a specific area (e.g. room) at any given time.
- Responsible Parties must ensure that different stable groups of up to 15 children/campers have no or minimal contact with one another or utilize common spaces at the same time, to the greatest extent possible".
An important note: child care programs are still required to follow the staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes as set forth in regulation.
If you have any questions, please consult your regulator.
May 27, 2020
Updated- Attention Training Organizations: Virtual Training Survey
Due to the inability to deliver in-person training during the COVID-19 emergency, OCFS will allow previously
approved classroom training and newly approved virtual training (submitted through EIP Event Approval or Aspire
Training Approval process) to be delivered using a virtual platform. Training must be facilitated by a credentialed
trainer, and a written request to conduct trainer-led virtual training must be submitted to the Professional
Development Program at Rockefeller College University at Albany (PDP), in consultation with OCFS, for review and
approval.
In order for training participants to receive training credit, virtual training must be approved through this
process and posted to the PDP Early Childhood Education and Training Program website and/or Aspire event calendar
prior to delivery.
A survey and shared mailbox have been developed to assist with evaluating virtual training proposals.
Proposed training events must be scheduled to occur prior to September 30, 2020 to be eligible. The committee will evaluate
proposals expeditiously and track approved virtual trainings. This accommodation will provide a viable option to
child care programs seeking to continue to fulfill training requirements while classroom trainings are unavailable.
May 19, 2020
May 06, 2020
Training Update and Upcoming Courses.
Due to an overwhelming interest, "United in Hope: Caring for Children and Child Care Providers" on Thursday, May 7, 2020 and Tuesday, May 12, 2020 has reached maximum registration capacity. For more training opportunities during this time, please visit "Find Trainings" to register for other upcoming courses.
May 05, 2020
Apr 30, 2020
The newest e-Learning course, "What to Expect When Inspected," is available for training.
During this fully narrated course, trainees will gain information on the role of regulators and how they assist child day care programs with coming into and maintaining regulatory compliance through inspections and technical assistance. The training will also share tips for preparing for inspections and partnering with regulators.
This course will provide you with 1.5 hours of training in the following OCFS training topics:
- Statutes and regulations pertaining to child day care
- Business record maintenance and management
Register today!
Apr 27, 2020
Special webcast on May 7, 2020 from 6:45pm – 9:15pm.
Please join us for a special webcast on May 7, 2020 from 6:45pm – 9:15pm, "United in Hope: Caring for Children and Child Care Providers" to help promote hope and resilience for programs and families across New York. We'll share advice from experts on helping children cope with this pandemic, as well as messages of hope for families and providers.
Registration is now open but capacity is limited, so register today!
Apr 06, 2020
Apr 06, 2020
Apr 05, 2020
Apr 02, 2020
Interested in Becoming an On-Demand Trainer? Are you looking for new ways to train your staff? Do you need more flexibility with scheduling? On-Demand training can help! This feature gives you 24/7 access to a selection of our previously recorded webcasts, including handout materials. Click the link above to learn more about On-Demand Training!
Apr 01, 2020
On-Demand Trainers: 4 Trainings Now Available.
- Educating for Sustainability (NEW)
- Child Abuse and Maltreatment with a Focus on Understanding Brain Injury and Prevention
- Addressing Challenging Behavior: An Overview of the Pyramid Model
- Foundations in Health and Safety
Log into the Training Portal today to start scheduling new training sessions!
Mar 24, 2020
Mar 18, 2020
New e-Learning course available. The newest e-Learning course "Anti-Bias Education in Early Childhood" is available for training.
During this fully narrated course trainees will gain information on how to examine or re-examine their childcare program to identify opportunities for creating change in regard to anti-bias materials, activities and curriculum.
This course will provide you with 1.5 hours of training in the following OCFS training topics:
- Principles of childhood development focusing on the developmental stages of the age groups for which the program provides care
- Child day care program development
Register today.
Mar 13, 2020
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information on Novel Coronavirus
New York’s healthcare system is the best in the world, and our agencies are prioritizing testing, containment tracking and quarantine protocols to keep New Yorkers safe during this period.
Feb 19, 2020
Feb 11, 2020
Register today for 2020 Virtual Classes! 2020 Virtual classes are already filling up, so be sure to register for your "seat" today! These 1.5-hour evening and weekend classes can be taken on a desktop, tablet or even a cell phone, right from the comfort of your own home. Just login to your ECETP account to register for classes and access your registered trainings and materials.