Items filtered by date: November 2015
Cost of Care
It can be tempting to set your prices based on what you think parents can afford and/or what other providers are charging, but that's not the way to sustain a successful business. You need to make sure you have a firm understanding of all the costs associated with providing quality child care, and then set your fees based on those numbers. Otherwise, you will not be able to cover expenses, make a profit, or develop a financial reserve for unexpected expenses.
First, determine your expenses. Consider the following:
- Accounting services
- Cable, Internet and telephone service
- Child supplies and materials
- Computers
- Employee wages, benefits and taxes
- Food
- Furniture and equipment
- Insurance
- Janitorial services and cleaning supplies
- Legal services
- Licenses
- Loan Payments
- Marketing
- Mortgage or rent payments, and property taxes
- Office supplies
- Professional Development and training
- Repairs and maintenance
- Travel expenses
- Utilities
Once you know your total monthly expenditures, you can determine how much income you need to cover those expenses. Then, considering how many children you realistically plan to care for, you can begin to think about setting rates.
For comparison, the following documents will give you a general idea of the fees currently charged by programs and providers in Westchester County:
Average cost of child care in Westchester County- Cost of child care in Westchester's largest towns and cities
We're here to help!
Call the Council at (914) 761-3456 x108 for additional information about the cost of care.
The Business of Child Care
Like any business, operating a successful child care business requires careful planning and a lot of hard work. You should first seek to learn about the market; that is, determine the child care needs of families in the location you want to serve, and then clearly define who your customers will be, how you can best meet their needs, and how you will market your services to them. Find out who your competition is, and what you may be able to learn from them. Figure out how much it will cost you to provide quality services, and in turn what fees you will charge and how much you will pay your employees, if you have any.
Whether your plan is to open a child care center or school age program, or start providing family or group family child care, the Child Care Council is here to help you succeed.
To help you get started:
The need for care: The Council continuously monitors enrollment levels and the financial state of regulated child care businesses in the county.Read our latest status reportSee current information on the total # of programs and slots
Learn what Westchester parents are looking for: More than 4,000 families contact the Child Care Council each year for child care referrals. We track and compile these information requests, to help new providers plan early care and education programs, and to help existing providers stay current or make thoughtful adjustments.Parent Requests for Child CareRead our latest Parent Survey report
Update your information in our Parent Referral Database
Cost of Care and What to Charge:
New child care professionals often struggle with what fees to charge. The Council has compiled a list of expenses for you to consider, as well as information about the average cost of care in our county.
Marketing Your Program:
After you have researched the need for care in your area and have decided to open a child care program, you need to market it. The goal is to operate with every available space full, and have the security of a waiting list. The Council can help you develop a plan.
Types of Child Care
When it comes to offering child care and early education services, you have a variety of options to choose from, based on the age of the children and the times of day and location where you will provide care, among other things. We're here to help you make an educated decision.
In New York State there are 4 types of child care settings regulated by the Office for Children and Family Services, and 4 that are not. While you are free to decide what type of care you will offer, you should be aware that the Child Care Council of Westchester recommends that parents place their child(ren) in regulated care whenever possible.
Regulated Child Care Settings:
Child Care Centers
Child Care Centers provide group care for children for more than 3 hours a day in a non-residential setting. Children are typically grouped by age. In New York State centers are licensed by the New York State Office for Children and Family Services (NYS OCFS). Minimum standards must be met for staffing, group size and basic health and safety. Care may be provided for children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age.
School Age Programs
School age care is care for children aged 5 years to 12 years in the out-of-school hours. This type of care can be found in a free standing building, a public or private school setting, as well as in recreation centers, religious institutions, child care centers, or family child care homes. Care may be provided before and/or after school and sometimes during vacations and holidays. Most programs operate on a school-year calendar.
Family Child Care
Family child care providers offer care in a residential setting. This is typically a mixed age group setting. Some providers offer part-time, weekend, overnight and evening care options; flexible schedules, and the option to allow siblings to stay together. Care may be provided for children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age.
Group Family Child Care
Group family child care is similar to family child care however more children may be enrolled when an additional caregiver is present. Group providers are licensed by New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
See the New York State regulations for child care centers, school age programs, family child care, and group family child care: 
Child Care Centers
Non-Regulated Child Care Settings:
Legally Exempt Providers
Also known as "informal provider" or "kith and kin" care, these providers are often friends, relatives or neighbors who watch one or two children in addition to their own. Legally exempt providers may contract with the local Department of Social Services to receive public subsidy for the children enrolled in their program. Call the Council at (914) 761-3456 x115 to learn more about legally exempt care.
Nursery School/Preschool Programs
Nursery schools provide care where children are in attendance for no more than 3 hours per day in a nonresidential setting. Nursery schools typically enroll children aged 2.9 to 5 years of age and often run on a school-year calendar. Some nursery schools voluntarily register with the New York State Education Department or become an OCFS licensed child care center.
In-Home Care Provider
An in-home care provider may live with a family or travel to the family's home each day. In-home providers are not regulated in New York State. In 1998, Kierans's Law took effect, allowing parents to access New York State criminal history information about potential in-home caregivers. Learn more about Kieran's Law.
Universal Pre-K
Universal Pre-Kindergarten programs may be offered by local school districts to eligible four-year-old children. These programs are voluntary for both school districts and children and are regulated by the New York State Department of Education.
If you have questions about the different types of child care, contact the Referral Department at (914) 761-3456 x140
Starting a Child Care or School Age Program
If you are interested in establishing a new child care center, home-based child care business, or school-aged program, we want to help you.
First, it’s important to understand that many existing child care programs and providers have openings, and are finding it difficult to enroll children. So, for you to succeed, you will need a complete understanding of business principles, including finances; New York State regulations; and marketing, in addition to the programmatic side of the business.
We urge you to review all of the related information in our website, and ask Council staff any additional questions you may have, before you attend the mandatory NYS information session or the Council’s optional one. Start here.
Mandatory Info Session For Family, Group/Family, Center, and School Age Child Care
If you intend to open a child care center, family child care program, group family child care program, or school age child care program, you must take an online or attend a mandatory start-up information session hosted by the New York State Office for Children and Family Services. For information and to watch the orientation video, go to http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/childcare/becomeaprovider.asp. The Child Day Care Center orientation is only available online.
The Council hosts the sessions for family child care programs and school age child care programs. There is no charge to attend.
Optional Business Info Session for Child Care Centers
The Child Care Council offers an additional non-mandatory information session to introduce you to the critical business-related aspects of starting a child care center, including the need for care in the area, budgeting, quality programming, developing a program philosophy, staff requirements, and regulations.
Cost for session: $85
One-on-One professional assistance is also available for a fee of $75/hour.
Contact Idie Benjamin, Director of Professional Development, at (914) 761-3456 x 108 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Regulations:
Any child care program that serves 3 or more non-related children for more than 3 hours a day on a regular basis must obtain a license or registration from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). To obtain either a license or registration, the applicant must show that the child care program meets requirements that the state has established to help ensure the health and safety of children in care.
The Council offers regular training sessions on child care program regulations.
Child Care Professionals
Whether you have an established program, recently launched, or are thinking about becoming a child care provider, we’re pleased to provide you with the resources you need to be successful and provide the highest quality care.
Follow the links below to get started:
Training for Child Care Professionals
A comprehensive calendar of offerings to learn best practices and meet the NYS Office of Children & Family Services requirements.
Quality Improvement Opportunities
Accreditation, technical assistance, certification opportunities, and more.
Health Care Consultant Services and Information
Health care consultant services, medication requirements and health policies/practices info.
The Business of Child Care
What parents are looking for, the cost of care throughout the county, and marketing information.
The Different Types of Child Care in Westchester
Summaries of regulated and non-regulated care options.
Starting A Child Care Program
Information about establishing a new child care center, home-based child care business, or school-aged program.
Careers In Child Care
As part of our efforts to make high quality early care and education available to every child in Westchester, we’re pleased to help connect child care providers and job seekers.
Paying for Child Care
Child care in Westchester is expensive, and we know that many families have trouble making ends meet. Fortunately, there are resources available to help you pay for child care.
Recognizing that the cost of child care is a burden for so many Westchester families and often a barrier to employment, the County raised income eligibility for its Child Care Assistance Program in 2022, and worked with us at the Child Care Council to create the Westchester Works Program to help working parents at even higher incomes. Read more to find out how these programs can help make child care more affordable for your family. For more information click here
Public Child Care Assistance – Now with higher income eligibility!
Review the charts below to see if you meet the income requirements for Child Care Assistance.
- Working parents
- Parents attending school
- Parents seeking work and more
To see if you are eligible or apply for the Child Care Assistance, please contact the Council at 914-761-3456 x 140 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to make an appointment.
| Family Size | Low Income Subsidy |
|---|---|
| 2 | <$67,490 |
| 3 | <$83,370 |
| 4 | <$99,250 |
| 5 | <$115,130 |
Westchester Works Child Care Scholarship Program
This new scholarship has much higher income eligibility levels, and may be available to your family even if you’ve never been included before. For example, a family of two: once “over-income” for child care financial assistance at $90,000, you can now have a gross income of up to $98,600 and be eligible for the Westchester Works Child Care Scholarship Program.
Eligible Families:
- All parents in household must live in Westchester County, be employed at least 10 hours per week, and making at least minimum wage.
- Child care must be located in Westchester County; in an OCFS regulated program, Dept. of Health Camp with valid permit, or a scholarship-approved exempt/informal provider (see Information Sheet for details).
- Your total gross household annual income must be within the income eligible guidelines listed below. Your household income includes all income, such as wages/salary, child support, SSI, etc.
| Family Size | Income Range | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | $67,491 | to | $98,600 |
| 3 | $83,371 | to | $124,300 |
| 4 | $99,251 | to | $150,000 |
| 5 | $115,131 | to | $175,700 |
Additional Child Care Scholarships – Limited
The Child Care Council of Westchester typically offers a limited number of scholarships, including the Key to the Future Fund. If you would like to be called or placed on a mailing list for other scholarships, please click here to submit a request.
Paying For Care Tax Facts Tax Benefits: There are several tax benefits and programs that can put more money in your hands to pay for child care.
Dependent Care Assistance Program: DCAP is a flexible spending account that your employer may offer to help you pay for your child or dependent care expenses. You can set aside up to $5,000 of your annual income to help cover the cost of child care, elder care, or care for a disabled spouse or dependent.
Guide to Dependent Care Assistance Program
New York State Public Benefits: Taking advantage of public benefit programs can improve families' overall economic situation and free up resources that can be used for child care. Visit the link below and use the pre-screening tool to see what health and human services programs you may be eligible for.
The New York State myBenefits site
Before You Begin
First and foremost, we want to make sure you know what to expect, and that the child care options you're considering are priced reasonably.
Click here to download a document that outlines the cost of child care:
Average cost of child care in Westchester County
Cost of child care in Westchester's largest towns and cities
Next, when it comes time to choose a child care provider, be certain you understand what the fees are, and exactly what those fees include or cover, including hours of care, snacks or meals, supplies, transportation, meals, late pickups, and field trips. Providers may impose penalties for late payments, and some charge whether or not a child is present. Ask how often fees will be raised, and by how much.
How to Choose
How to Choose the Right Care For Your Family
Undoubtedly, you have discovered that there are many options for child care in your area. We recommend that you be as thorough as possible in your research, so you can be confident that you’ve chosen the right child care option.
So, after you have learned about the various types of care, and used our referral service to find child care options for your family, we recommend you take the following steps:
First, call and ask some basic questions, such as:
- Is there an opening for my child?
- What is the daily program/routine?
- Does the provider follow a curriculum?
- What are the qualifications (education and experience) of the caregivers?
- Is there much staff turnover?
- How many children does the provider care for/what is the class size?
- What are the ages of the children in the group?
- What are the fees, and what do they include?
- What are the hours? What happens on holidays and vacation days?
- Is the provider accredited by a national organization?
Hopefully, the answers to those questions will help you narrow down your options. Next, you should visit the providers you are most interested in, to get a feeling for each in person.
Before you visit providers, review these informative documents:
Choosing Infant/Toddler Care Guide (English)
Choosing Infant/Toddler Care Guide (Spanish)
Complete Parent Guide to Choosing Child Care (English)
Complete Parent Guide to Choosing Child Care (Spanish)
Everything you need to know before hiring a nanny:
When it’s time to visit providers, we recommend you:
- Visit at least 3 potential programs/providers
- Bring this checklist of important questions (English) with you or this checklist of important questions (Spanish)
- Make sure there are children present when you visit, so you can see how staff interacts with them
- Allow 30-45 minutes per visit
Before you commit to a program or sign a contract, you should:
- Review the provider’s Parent Handbook, if one is available
- Make sure you understand the pricing, and whether you qualify for financial assistance to help pay for care. Learn more about Paying For Care.
Open Child Care
COVID-19 is changing the world as we know it, including child care. If you need child care, we are here to help. View the Child Care Map and then call the Referral Department 914-761-3456 ext. 140 and receive profiles of open child care programs/providers specific to your needs. We will confirm at least 3 openings for health care workers and first responders.
Keep in mind that you have to make sure that they are a safe and good quality program/provider for your child. Check the child care’s compliance history at https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/childcare/looking.asp
Click Here for Parent’s Checklist for care during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Click Here for Parent’s Guide during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Submit an Online Form
Fill out the online form and click to send. A Child Care Specialist will review the information and email you referrals within two business days.
Submit an Electronic Form.
Note: If you haven't received an email from us with referrals within 2 business days, please check your spam folder.
Call Us
Call the Child Care Council at (914) 761-3456 x140 or 1-844-387-7525. For Services in Spanish, dial x122.
Child Care Specialists are available Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and Tuesdays until 7pm to help you make an informed decision about child care.
Search our database
Search our database 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to find child care centers, family and group family child care homes, school age programs, and some nursery schools in Westchester County.
Do an e-Child Care Search: (https://www.childcarewestchester.org/find-child-care/e-childcare)
Note: To search for In-Home Care or Camps you will need to use an online form or call us.
Types of Care
There are several different types of child care available to you. The Child Care Council of Westchester recommends that parents select regulated care whenever possible.
In New York State there are four types of child care settings regulated by the Office for Children and Family Services (OCFS):
- 1. Child Care Centers – Care for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years of age, for more than 3 hours per day in a non-residential setting. Minimum standards must be met for staffing, group size and basic health and safety.
- 2. School Age Programs – For children 5-12 years old during out-of-school hours, including before/after school and sometimes during school vacations and holidays. This type of care may be found in a free standing building, a public or private school setting, recreation centers and religious institutions.
- 3. Family Child Care – For children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age, in a residential setting. Some providers offer part-time, weekend, overnight and evening care options, flexible schedules, and the option to allow siblings to stay together. Typically a mixed-age-group setting.
- 4. Group Family Child Care – Group family child care is similar to family child care; more children may be enrolled when an additional caregiver is present.
New York State: Regulations For Child Care Providers
Beyond OCFS guidelines, accreditation by a national organization requires that programs meet a higher standard than state regulation, offering the kind of care, attention, and educational activities that aid a child's growth and development. If you would like to see a list of accredited programs and providers, please call (914) 761-3456 x140.
Care settings that are not regulated by OCFS include:
- Nannies/In-home Care Providers – A nanny care provider may live with a family or travel to the family's home each day, often known as a nanny. The Ultimate Nanny Guide is what you need to make the best choice for your family. In 1998, Kierans's Law took effect, allowing parents to access New York State criminal history information about potential in-home caregivers. Learn more about Kieran's Law.
- Legally Exempt Providers – Also known as "informal providers" or "kith and kin" care, these providers are often friends, relatives or neighbors who watch one or two children in addition to their own.
- Nursery School/Preschool Programs – Nursery schools provide care where children are in attendance for no more than 3 hours per day in a nonresidential setting.
- Universal Pre-K – Universal Pre-Kindergarten programs may be offered by local school districts to eligible four-year-old children, and are regulated by the New York State Department of Education.
Parents
We know that when it comes to child care, you have many different options, and a lot of variables to consider. It can be a bit overwhelming! The Child Care Council of Westchester is here to serve you with a variety of FREE services for families with young children, including children with special needs.
Parents, we're here to help you:
- Understand what quality child care is
- Find and evaluate child care programs
- Explore financial resources, like scholarships, public subsidies and tax benefits
- File a complaint about a child care program
Learn About the Different Types of Child Care
We recommend all parents choose a child care program that is regulated by the New York State Office for Children and Family Services (OCFS). These regulations cover basic health and safety issues, limit the number of children each adult cares for, define the required training hours and topics that providers must take, and ensure periodic inspections and monitoring. Learn more about the types of regulated and non-regulated care.
Find Child Care
We offer many different ways for you to search for child care providers in Westchester County.
How to Choose the Best Child Care For Your Family
With so many options for child care available in Westchester, it can be difficult to sort through your options. The Council's guidelines and checklists can help.
Paying for Child Care
We want to make sure you understand what your child care dollars cover, and that you're aware of what financial resources might be available to help cover the cost of care.
Parent Education & Community Resources
We know that quality child care is far from your only challenge or responsibility. The Child Care Council is here to help connect Westchester parents with whatever education, support and resources you need.
