Home daycare in Manhattan requires NY State OCFS registration or licensing and compliance with NYC Health Code 165. Family daycare is capped at 6 children, group family daycare up to 12.
Operating a home daycare in New York County (Manhattan) requires state-level registration or licensing through the NY State Office of Children and Family Services and compliance with NYC Health Code Section 165 for childcare services. Family day care programs serving 3 to 6 children must be registered with OCFS, while group family day care programs serving 7 to 12 children require a license and typically an approved assistant. Providers must meet health and safety standards including cleared background checks for all adults in the household, a physical examination, fire safety inspection, first aid and CPR certification, and a written program plan. Apartments and homes must provide adequate indoor space, access to outdoor play, and safe sleeping arrangements. NYC DOB may require Certificate of Occupancy review for larger group programs. Co-op and condo boards often restrict or prohibit home daycare, and lease terms may bar commercial use. Contact OCFS and NYC Health before applying.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how New York County's home daycare rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.