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For Providers

OPENING YOUR OWN PROGRAM

 

High-quality child care options are needed in Allegany, Cattaraugus and Wyoming Counties. Help us build a strong community of high-quality child care by opening your own child care business!

As a general rule in NY, any child day care program planning to serve three or more children for more than three hours a day on a regular basis must obtain a license or registration. You can be fined up to $500 per day for providing child care without a license or registration.

 

Child Care Services is here to help guide you through the process of becoming licensed or registered! We have put together information to give you a general overview on how to get started: click here to learn more. Give us a call at (800) 498-2277! We are happy to help and our support services are always free of charge.

Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)

Very important links for quick guidance and information

Kid Eating Snack
Child and Adult Care
Food Program

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a nutrition education and meal reimbursement program. The program helps providers serve nutritious and safely prepared meals and snacks in day care settings.

Click here to be taken directly to the CACFP website.

 

The goal of CACFP is improved nutritional quality of meals served to children in child care settings.  Providers may claim reimbursement for 2 meals and 1 snack per day OR 2 snacks and 1 meal per day.  Providers who participate in CACFP have the following available:

 

  • Technical Assistance:  Sponsor will help provider build a  CACFP-approved menu.

  • Money is reimbursed for creditable meals served.

  • Free attendance to CACFP-approved nutrition training.

                                                              

For eligibility to join CACFP contact:

Allegany County

Pro Action of Steuben and Yates, Inc.

https://proactioninc.org/

117 E Steuben St, Bath, NY 14810

Phone(607) 776-2125

Cattaraugus County

Chautauqua County Child Care Council

https://www.chautauquaopportunities.com/chautauqua-child-care-council/

402 Chandler St, Jamestown, NY 14701

Phone(716) 664-4999

Wyoming County

Child Care Council

https://childcarecouncil.com/

595 Blossom Rd Suite 120, Rochester, NY 14610

Phone(585) 654-4720

 

Centers may also participate through a sponsor that meets the same requirements.  Contact your state agency for details on program participation.

 

How can the program help the child care provider?

 

The program will:

  • Help pay for the meals you serve to children in your care.

  • Teach you how to plan and serve meals that meet child care standards for nutrition.

  • Provide you with free training that will help you do a good job and run your home-based business or child care center as a professional.

How can the program help the parents?

Parents who leave children in your care want to feel confident that their child receives the best care, the care of a professional. Parents are not charged an extra fee for the meals served. 

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