09/28/2026
START YOUR OWN CHILDCARE BUSINESS IN NYC FOR FREE!
Do you love taking care of children? You can launch your own licensed home-based daycare or professional babysitting business 100% free!
🔹 1. Free Training, Certifications, & Rules
* NYS OCFS e-Learning: New York State offers free, mandatory online courses covering child development, health, and safety.�👉 https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/training/available-training.php
* CHCF (Committee for Hispanic Children and Families): Offers free 120-hour preparation programs to get your professional Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. (⚠️ NOTE: You do NOT need to be Hispanic or speak Spanish to apply! It is completely open to everyone.)�👉 https://www.chcfinc.org/courses-and-workshops/
* Degree Requirements: No college degree is needed. You only need a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent credential paired with 2–3 years of childcare experience (or a CDA credential instead).
* Age Limit: You must be at least 18 years old.
🔹 2. Free Business Setup & Licensing Assistance
* WHEDco (South Bronx): They guide you step-by-step to get your legal state license, set up your home space, handle accounting/taxes, and find your first clients!�📞 Call WHEDco: +1 (718) 839-1100 or +1 (347) 708-7800�👉 https://whedco.org/home-based-childcare/
* NYC Child Care Resource & Referral Consortium: Provides free online courses and professional business counseling to help you register your business.�👉 https://nyccrr.org/for-providers/
🔹 3. Step-by-Step Legal Application Process
* Step 1: Complete the Online Orientation (Unlocks your official application).�👉 Launch Portal: https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/providers/
* Step 2: Submit the Initial Application�👉 Create FAMS State Account: https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/providers/fams.php�👉 Review Local NYC Rules: https://nyc-business.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/description/group-family-day-care-license
* Step 3: Pass Background Checks (Required for you and all adults 18+ in the home).�👉 Schedule Fingerprints (Code: 15441V): https://uenroll.identogo.com/workflows/15441V�👉 Download Background Forms: https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/ccdbg/requirements.php
* Step 4: Pass a Home Safety Inspection (An inspector will check your residence for fire exits, smoke alarms, and safe window guards).
Once you pass your home inspection and background clearances, you will receive your official Family Day Care Registration Certificate!
