Home-Based Child Care Training
Your child care provider career starts at Jefferson
The Home-Based Child Care Training program is designed to prepare you to become a home-based child care provider. At the conclusion of the program, participants are expected to have gained New York State Office of Children and Family Services (NYSOCFS) approval to operate a home-based child care program and will have earned a Certificate of Completion from JCC. This certificate signifies competencies in early childhood education and small business management.
Program Overview
The Home-Based Child Care Training program provides participants with the knowledge, skills, and support to become in-home childcare providers. Jefferson County, the Community Action Planning Council (CAPC), Jefferson Community College (JCC), and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) have collaborated to design this innovative program. The program is provided at no cost to participants through the generous sponsorship of Jefferson County. Open-enrollment model wherein you can start whenever you are ready.
Program Benefits
Let us help you start your own home-based child care business!
- Become a Home-Based Child Care Provider
- Free training
- Program Coordinator assigned to provide individual mentorship through the program
- SBDC Advisor assigned for one-on-one business counseling
- CAPC Regulator assigned to provide guidance on NYSOCFS approval
- Start-up supply funding may be available for eligible individuals through CAPC or Naturally Lewis, depending on county of residence
Program requirements for Home-Based Child Care Training
Effective Spring 2025
| Business Requirements (14 non-credit hours) | Non-Credit Hours |
| OCFS Application Workshop | 2 |
| SBDC Business Basics Workshop | 10 |
| JCC Family Policy Handbook Workshop | 2 |
| Health and Safety Requirements (20 non-credit hours) | Non-Credit Hours |
| CAPC Health & Safety Training | 15 |
| Red Cross First Aid & CPR Training | 5 |
Total Non-Credit hours 34
Program Admissions
Cost: Grant funding covers full cost of program. Funding available to residents of Jefferson County or Lewis County.
Step 1: Complete Interest Form
Step 2: Complete the NYS Division of Child Care Services Child Day Care Orientation (2-hour online course).
Step 3: Request an OCFS Application upon completing the NYS Division of Child Care
Services Child Day Care Orientation
Step 4: Attend Program Kick-Off Meeting to finalize admissions
Program Kickoff Meeting
The Kickoff Meeting will be held individually with the Program Coordinator. Participant handbook will be provided and reviewed. Handbook includes information on program details and schedule.