Daycare in New York
Find licensed daycare centers and home-based childcare providers across New York. Browse by city or use our search to find options near you.
Average Daycare Costs in New York
* Costs vary by location, facility type, and program. These are state averages for full-time care.
Browse by City
Select a city to view licensed daycare providers in that area.
Don't see your city? Use the search at the top of the page or contact us to request your area.
Types of Daycare in New York
Licensed Daycare Centers
Commercial facilities licensed by New York to provide group childcare. Centers must meet state standards for safety, staff qualifications, and child-to-staff ratios.
- • State-licensed and inspected
- • Structured educational programs
- • Multiple age-appropriate classrooms
- • Full-time and part-time options
Family Childcare Homes
Licensed providers who care for children in their home. New York regulates home-based providers to ensure safe environments and appropriate care.
- • Home-like environment
- • Smaller group sizes
- • Often more flexible schedules
- • Mixed age groups
New York Licensing Agency
Required Staff Ratios
| Age Group | New York Requires | NAEYC Recommends |
|---|---|---|
| Infants | 1:4 | 1:3 |
| Toddlers | 1:5 | 1:4 |
| Preschool | 1:7 | 1:8 |
| School Age | 1:10 | 1:10 |
NYC has separate licensing through NYC DOHMH with similar ratios.
Childcare Assistance
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
Administered by: Local Departments of Social Services
Income Eligibility
85% of State Median Income (about $88,000 for family of 4)
Quality Rating System
QUALITYstarsNY
New York uses a 5-level quality rating system. Look for rated providers for assurance of quality.
Find rated providersState Pre-K Program
New York State Prekindergarten & NYC 3-K/Pre-K for All
Who qualifies: 3 and 4-year-olds
Income: Universal in NYC; income-based in rest of state
Learn more about Pre-KThings to Know About New York Childcare
- •NYC has the highest childcare costs in the nation - Manhattan averages $2,500+/month for infants.
- •NYC Pre-K for All provides free full-day pre-K for all 4-year-olds.
- •NYC 3-K is expanding free pre-K to all 3-year-olds.
Ready to Start Your Search?
Use our calculator to estimate daycare costs in New York, then explore our guide to choosing the right provider.