Keeping Children Safe
Importance of Good Child Care Choices

Finding safe and affordable child care is a challenge for parents at virtually every income level.  Some parents may not be aware of the child care regulations in New York.  Others may be pressured to make a quick child care arrangement that does not provide any educational benefits and may even prove detrimental to their child’s well-being.

Regulations vary from state to state.  In New York, all child care provided outside the child’s home that involves more than two children for three hours a day must be regulated by the State of New York.   Parents should ask to see a caregiver’s license or registration.

Meeting NYS child care regulations however, does not necessarily mean that a child care provider will meet parents’ personal expectations for quality of care.  It’s important for caregivers to be warm and friendly, pay attention to every child, use positive guidance, read to the children daily, offer a variety of play activities, and welcome parental involvement.

If a parent observes any of the following warning signs, the child should not be left in care:

• No toys, books, materials
• Safety hazards
• A caregiver under the influence
• A caregiver yelling at children

Even if a parent has had the same caregiver for years, problems sometimes arise, or a child’s needs may change.  So it’s important, even if the child is with a friend or relative, for a parent to:

• Make regular visits
• Ask yourself if your child seems happy to go to his/her caregiver
• Ask your child about his/her time in child care
• Talk to your caregiver about what your child likes and any changes in his/her life
• Speak up and resolve any questions that come up
• Regularly check to see if your caregiver has any regulatory violations at www.ChildCareWestchester.org.

Parents with questions or concerns about their child care arrangements are encouraged to call the Child Care Council.  One of the Council’s responsibilities is to identify possible regulatory violations and see that they are investigated, as appropriate.   We particularly urge the public to report any suspected illegal child care to the Council.   We have new materials to increase public awareness of the importance of legal child care to children’s safety.    For materials, to arrange a presentation or for more information, contact Nicole Masucci, Director of Employer and Parent Services at (914) 761-3456 ext. 139 or nicolem@cccwny.org.