Child care centers must follow strict safety guidelines including:

• Social distancing
• Children over the age of two and staff who are not fully vaccinated must wear face coverings except when eating, drinking, showering, swimming, or sleeping. 
• Daily health screenings
• Frequent cleanings and disinfection

The Department of Health will inspect programs to verify compliance.

Get health and safety guidelines for child care centers.

Child Care Center Licensing

• You must apply or renew online; in-person submission is not available and applications submitted by mail will not be processed.
• Online applications will be reviewed and processed if complete.
• Permits or licenses are not being mailed; if your online application is approved and you provide your email address, you will get your permit by email.
• All NYC Health Department licenses and permits that will expire or require renewal are extended for the duration of the State of Emergency in accordance with Emergency Executive Order 107.

Visit the Department of Health's permits and licenses page for the latest updates.

Read Executive Order 107.