Choosing child care is one of the biggest decisions parents face. It’s not just about schedules and logistics — it’s about trust. You want to know your child is safe, cared for, and supported while you’re at work, in school, or handling life’s responsibilities.
That decision can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Westchester and Putnam Counties offer resources, guidance, and even financial help so families can find the right fit without breaking the bank.
This guide walks you through your child care options, dos and don’ts, affordability programs, red flags to avoid, and local supports to help you every step of the way.
Step 1: Know Your Options – Types of Child Care Providers
| Type of Provider | What It Is | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Care Centers | Licensed facilities with classrooms, multiple staff, and curriculum. | Structured routines, socialization, early learning programs. | Families who want a school-like environment. |
| Family Day Care Homes | Licensed providers caring for up to 6 children in their own home. | Smaller groups, family-style setting, mixed ages. | Parents who prefer intimacy and flexibility. |
| Group Family Day Care Homes | Home-based care for up to 12 children with an assistant. | Combines home-like atmosphere with more structure. | Families seeking middle ground between centers and small homes. |
| Legally Exempt Providers | Relatives, friends, or neighbors who provide care. Must meet safety standards for subsidies. | Trusted caregivers, flexible, often lower cost. | Families preferring someone they already know. |
| School-Age Child Care (SACC) | Before/after-school programs run in schools or centers. | Supervision, homework help, enrichment. | Families with school-aged kids needing care outside school hours. |
| Informal/Private Care | Babysitters, nannies, au pairs (not licensed by NYS). | Flexible, one-on-one attention. | Families who can afford private arrangements or need in-home care. |
Step 2: Dos and Don’ts When Choosing a Provider
Do
- Check Licensing: Use the OCFS Child Care Search to confirm a provider’s status and inspection history.
- Visit in Person: Observe caregiver-child interactions. Are children engaged, comforted, and respected?
- Ask About Ratios: Fewer children per caregiver means more attention.
- Review Policies: Discipline, meals, emergencies, and communication should all be clear.
- Trust Your Gut: Warm, safe, and consistent environments matter.
Don’t
- Ignore Red Flags: Unsafe practices, high staff turnover, or vague answers should not be dismissed.
- Choose Based on Cost Alone: Affordability is important, but quality must come first. Subsidies can help.
- Overlook Logistics: Daily drop-offs and pick-ups should fit your schedule.
- Forget Your Child’s Personality: Some kids thrive in busy classrooms, others in smaller, quieter homes.
Step 3: Affordability & Financial Supports
Child care in Westchester and Putnam Counties can rival rent or mortgage payments. Thankfully, support is available:
- Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
- Statewide subsidy for families earning up to 85% of the State Median Income.
- Families contribute a small “parent share” based on income.
- Apply via NY CCAP Portal.
- Westchester Works Scholarship (Westchester only)
- For families above CCAP limits but below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- Administered by the Child Care Council of Westchester.
- Currently waitlisted.
- Federal Supports
- Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit: Claim part of your child care costs on your tax return.
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Offered by some employers.
Local Contacts:
- Westchester DSS Child Care Assistance Office: (914) 995-6521 / 6522
- Putnam County DSS Child Care Services: (845) 808-1500 (ask for Child Care Assistance Unit)
- Child Care Council of Westchester (CCCW): (914) 761-3456, childcarewestchester.org
Step 4: Signs of Quality vs. Red Flags
Signs of Quality
- Caregivers interact warmly — talking, singing, playing.
- Clean, safe environment with age-appropriate toys.
- Consistent daily routines.
- Low staff-to-child ratios.
- Providers welcome parent involvement and communication.
Red Flags
- Caregivers who seem distracted or disengaged.
- Unsafe sleep setups for infants.
- Dirty or poorly maintained spaces.
- Unclear policies or unwillingness to answer questions.
- No posted emergency plan.
Step 5: Age-Specific Considerations
- Infants: Look for safe sleep practices, bonding opportunities, and individualized feeding.
- Toddlers: Active play areas, routines that balance structure and independence.
- Preschoolers: Early learning curriculum, social-emotional skill-building, and creative play.
- School-aged Children: Homework support, enrichment, safe supervision before/after school.
Step 6: Inclusion & Special Needs
Children with special needs have the right to inclusive care. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), providers cannot deny enrollment because of a disability.
Local supports:
- Early Intervention (birth–3 years): NYS Early Intervention Program, via your county health department.
- Preschool Special Education (ages 3–5): Contact your local school district’s Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE).
- Parent to Parent of NYS: Peer support network for families of children with special needs.
- Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD): Offers evaluations, therapies, and family support.
Step 7: Questions to Ask Providers
Bring this checklist on tours:
- How do you handle discipline?
- What is your sick child policy?
- How do you communicate with parents daily?
- What is your caregiver-to-child ratio?
- How do you support children with different needs?
- What is staff turnover like here?
- How do you handle emergencies?
Step 8: Action Plan for Parents
- List Priorities: Cost, location, schedule, environment.
- Research Providers: Use CCCW (Westchester) or Putnam DSS for referrals.
- Schedule Visits: Tour at least 2–3 providers.
- Ask Questions: Use the checklist.
- Observe Your Child: How do they respond during the visit?
- Apply for Subsidies: Don’t assume you won’t qualify — check CCAP eligibility.
- Decide and Commit: Choose the provider who best aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s values.
Video Resources:
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Spanish:
Resources at a Glance
| Resource | Westchester Contact | Putnam Contact |
|---|---|---|
| DSS Child Care Assistance Office | (914) 995-6521 / 6522 | (845) 808-1500 |
| Child Care Council | (914) 761-3456 · childcarewestchester.org | Call DSS for referrals |
| CCAP Application Portal | hs.ocfs.ny.gov/childcareassistance | Same as statewide |
| OCFS Provider Search | ocfs.ny.gov/main/childcare | Same as statewide |
Bibliography
- Child Care Council of Westchester. Paying for Child Care. Retrieved from https://childcarewestchester.org/
- New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Retrieved from https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/ccap/
- New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Find Child Care. Retrieved from https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/childcare/
- Westchester County Department of Social Services. Child Care Assistance Office.
- Putnam County Department of Social Services. Child Care Assistance.
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG).
