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THE SEARCH FOR CHILDCARE

Choosing a child care program is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make as a parent. Your final choice will depend on many factors, and you should consider them carefully in order to best meet the needs of your children and your family. In the right child care situation, children build strong relationships with their caregivers, and develop and grow in a safe and loving environment with their peers. You as a parent will be happy knowing that your child is well cared for in a nurturing and learning environment.

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There are many options for childcare programs, Childcare Centers, Group Family Day Care Homes, Family  Day Care Homes, School-age Child Care Programs, and Legally Exempt Childcare providers.

CHILDCARE CENTER

A childcare center cares for larger groups of children in a facility outside a private home. Childcare centers may be large or small but usually divide children into groups by age, with different childcare and early education professionals to work with each group.

GROUP CHILDCARE

Group day care homes provide care for seven to twelve children at a time in a residence; and may add one or two school-age children. The maximum allowable number of children will depend on whether there are and how many infants are in care. A provider must use an assistant when more than six children are present.

FAMILY CHILDCARE

Family day care homes provided childcare in a person’s private home by one or two individuals. Most states have limits on the number of children who can be in family childcare. Family childcare homes are more likely to have mixed-age groups of children. The maximum allowable number of children will depend on whether there are and how many infants are in care.

LEGALLY EXEMPT CHILDCARE

Many families have unique schedules that require various types of childcare. Legally Exempt childcare is a great option for those families. This program allows parents to hire close, dependable, reliable friends and family members as their child's care providers. These hired friends and family members are called Legally Exempt childcare providers, who are also eligible to receive subsidy payments, or daycare assistance, from the county they perform their services in.

SCHOOL-AGE CHILDCARE PROGRAMS

School-age childcare programs, (or SACCs) provide care for more than six children from kindergarten through age twelve. Programs care for children during non-school hours; and may also provide care during school vacation periods and holidays.

Parents and Families: List

​Child Care referrals are available by calling 845-294-4012 X224

Monday to Friday 8:30AM – 4:30PM (EST)

or toll free at 1-844-461-4689

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Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TTY) is available 24/7 by calling toll free

1-800-662-1220


You may also conduct your own search by using the referral access portal below at your convenience 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Parents and Families: Who We Are

REFERRAL ACCESS PORTAL

If you are a parent or guardian who is seeking child care in Orange County, NY use this search engine to find providers in your area.

Parents and Families: HTML Embed
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