Steps to Opening A Child Care Center

1. Individuals who would like to open a childcare center (birth – 6 yrs.) can go to a 3-hour introduction session held by the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). Session is free.

• Call 212 676-2444 for more information on these sessions.

2. Upon receipt of the Initial application, an Early Childhood Education Consultant is assigned to work with applicants to help develop and put into action plans for the childcare program.

3. A 'statement of purpose' must be submitted to the DOHMH /Bureau of Day Care. The statement should include:

• A description of indoor and outdoor activities
• A plan of discipline and guidance practices
• A statement of the method of admission to the childcare program

4. The applicant works with a registered architect or a licensed professional engineer to design facilities that meet required specifications, as needed.

• Building plans must be submitted to the appropriate Department of Buildings borough office.
• Certification of approval must then be submitted to DOHMH upon receipt from the Department of Buildings.
• DOHMH must approve plan before construction begins.

5. A sworn statement from a registered architect or licensed professional engineer stating that all Fire Department requirements have been met and that the premises are ready for inspection must be submitted to DOHMH.

6. DOHMH requests inspection by the Fire Department.

7. A statement of approval from the Fire Department, which notes that all related laws and regulations pertaining to the fire prevention and control were met and must be submitted to DOHMH.

8. If the Fire Department disapproves of the premises, the violations must be corrected and a re-inspection finalizing approval must be made before a permit can be issued.

9. Introductory sketches of indoor and outdoor play areas are to be submitted to the DOHMH /Bureau of Day Care for approval (including the measurement of the rooms to be used by children and an indication of doors, windows, bathroom, etc).

10. DOHMH staff inspects facilities to make sure compliance with pertinent laws, rules, and regulations governing the areas of care, food, and general environmental sanitation. The proposed childcare program must receive DOHMH /Bureau of Day Care approval before a permit can be issued.

11. The childcare applicants must have all current and soon-to-be staff screened. This includes:

• Fingerprinting for the purposes of performing a review of criminal convictions and pending criminal actions.
• An inquiry of the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment to decide if the individual has been or is the subject of a child abuse and maltreatment report.
• Reference checks with each employee’s most recent employers.

12. Permit issued after all related fees are paid and upon approval of the site by the Department of Buildings, Fire Department, DOHMH staff and approval of the plan of operations and staff by DOHMH.