Become a Licensed Family Child Care Educator

Requirements vary by state. All Our Kin’s Licensing Program can help educators navigate the process from application through inspection.

New York

To become a licensed home-based child care provider, you generally need to:

1. Complete the required OCFS orientation and licensing application.
2. Complete required background checks for yourself, staff, and applicable household members.
3. Submit required health and medical documentation.
4. Complete required health and safety training, including CPR and First Aid.
5. Provide required references and qualifications.
6. Prepare your home to meet licensing and health and safety requirements.
7. Complete the required health/DOH inspection.
8. Address any outstanding requirements before receiving your license.

Westchester County and Long Island: Additional Fire Department requirements may apply following the health inspection.

Connecticut

To apply for a Family Child Care license, educators must generally submit:

1. A completed application and $40 application fee
2. Required medical and health documentation for household members
3. Three references
4. Current First Aid and CPR certifications
5. Required background checks for household members age 18 and older
6. A lead water test
7. A well water test, if applicable
8. An inspection of any auxiliary heating device, if applicable

Once your application is complete, the Office of Early Childhood (OEC) will contact you to schedule a home inspection.

Need help navigating the process? All Our Kin’s Licensing Mentors can provide personalized support throughout your application.

The number of children you can care for depends on your state, license type, the ages of the children, and whether you have an assistant.

New York

Family Child Care (FCC): Up to 8 children.
Group Family Day Care (GFDC): Up to 16 children, depending on the ages of the children and the number of school-age children enrolled.

Specific capacity limits apply based on the ages of children in care.

Connecticut

A licensed Family Child Care provider can care for up to 6 children, including the provider’s own children who are not in school full time during the school year.

With a licensed assistant, providers may care for up to 9 children. Providers may also care for additional school-age children, depending on the program's space and licensing requirements.

Licensing timelines vary depending on the state, the completeness of your application, background checks, inspections, and any additional requirements.

New York

The process typically takes 2–6 months.

Connecticut

The process can take approximately 3–7 months. Applications must be completed within 12 months or they expire.

Your Licensing Mentor can help you understand the steps involved and keep your application moving forward.

New York

The Department of Health conducts an in-person inspection to determine whether your home meets applicable health and safety licensing requirements.

Before the inspection, All Our Kin can help you prepare through pre-inspection support, including guidance on your home environment and licensing requirements.

Connecticut

Once your application is complete, an OEC inspector will contact you to schedule an inspection. During the visit, the inspector will review Family Child Care Home Regulations, answer questions, and determine whether your home meets licensing requirements.

Your application must be complete before an inspection can be scheduled.

New York

You will generally need:

• A completed licensing application
• Identification showing the address of your child care site
• Required background check documentation
• Required health and medical forms
• Required training and certification documentation
• Business documents, if applicable

Connecticut

You will need to submit the required application materials, supporting documentation, and $40 application fee.

Your required documents may include medical forms, references, certifications, background checks, and property-specific documentation such as water testing.

Requirements can vary depending on your household and program. Your Licensing Mentor can help you understand what applies to you.

New York

There is no licensing application fee. However, providers are responsible for the $25 background check fee.

Connecticut

The $40 licensing application fee is the responsibility of the provider.