Group Child Care (Center-based) — Information for Operators

Comprehensive Background Checks

Federal law requires all staff and volunteers who work in child care to undergo a Comprehensive Background Check (CBC) every five years or if the staff or volunteer has a break in service for more than 180 days.

All group child care programs must submit CBC applications online for:

  • New staff or volunteer, including staff with a break in service
  • Existing staff or volunteer who already has a current CBC clearance and wants to work at another program
  • Existing staff or volunteer who has not had a CBC conducted in the past five years

Find application instructions and worksheets below to help you gather the required information:


The Health Department will check registries that maintain arrest and criminal histories, sex offender statuses, record of child abuse or maltreatment and mistreatment of the disabled throughout the United States. These include:

  • FBI and NYS Criminal History Check
  • Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment
  • NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs
  • NYS Sex Offender Registry
  • National Crime and Information Center-National Sex Offender Registry Check

Group child care (center-based) provides care to three or more children, under 6 years of age, for five or more hours per week. These types of facilities operate for more than 30 days in a 12-month period. They may be located anywhere, except a private residence.

The NYC Health Department compliance guides below will help you follow the law and assure families that you are protecting and promoting their children's safety, health and early education.

If you are starting a new program, you must attend a pre-permit orientation (check the box next to “Group Child Care and Summer Camp Orientation Sessions”, then click “Continue” at the bottom of the page) before applying for a new permit. After you have attended that orientation, you can apply for a permit for a new child care program.

Programs must renew their permit every two years. If you need technical assistance submitting your online application, complete a technical assistance request.

Forms, Guides and Other Helpful Documents

Child Care Performance Summary Card

Necessary Qualifications and Training Requirements

Attendance, Supervision and Trip Requirements

Safe Sleep

Written Safety Plan

Medical Care

Nutrition and Physical Activity

Orientation for Parents Upon Enrollment

After parents enroll their child in a program, operators must provide them with information on the program’s policies and procedures for supervision, attendance, admission, discharge, emergencies and illness management.

Parents must also be provided with:

Fire Safety

Lead Paint Poisoning Prevention

Kitchen and Food Handling Safety

Facilities

Additional Resources

More Information