Home-Based Child Care Training
SUNY Jefferson
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Home-Based Child Care Training

Home child care worker working with 2 kids

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 Schedule

Cohort 4 Program Kick-Off Meeting is scheduled for April 25, 2024. 

  • Training scheduled to run May 2024 through August 2024. 
  • Total program participant time commitment is approximately 30 hours, or 1-5 hours per week including independent work over the course of 6 months.
  • Training is available virtually and in person at JCC Campus.
  • The OCFS application for a childcare program license requires a background check. 

Program Admissions

Cost: Grant funding coverages full cost of program. Funding available to residents of Jefferson County or Lewis County.

Step 1: Complete Interest Form. Registration deadline is April 22, 2024
Step 2: Complete the NYS Division of Child Care Services Child Day Care Orientation (2-hour online course).
Orientation Link: 
https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/providers/cdc-orientation.php
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 (see above)

Program Overview

The Home-Based Child Care Training program provides participants with the knowledge, skills, and support to become in-home childcare providers. Lewis County, 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.

Program Benefits

Let us help you start your own home-based child care business!

  • Become a Home-Based Child Care Provider within four months
  • Free training (Health & Safety, Red Cross, Small Business Workshops, & Family Policy Handbook workshop)
  • 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
  • Access free supplies to help you start your new business
  • Access to a Child Care Providers closed Facebook group

Program requirements for Home-Based Child Care Training

Business Requirements (18 non-credit hours) Non-Credit Hours
OCFS Application Workshop 2
SBDC Module 1: Business Basics 2
SBDC Module 2: Marketing 2
SBDC Module 3: Liability & Insurance 2
SBDC Module 4: Accounting 2
SBDC Module 5: Transitioning to Entrepreneurship 2
JCC Family Policy Handbook Workshop – Part I  3
JCC Family Policy Handbook Workshop – Part II  3
Health and Safety Requirements (20 non-credit hours) Non-Credit Hours
CAPC Health & Safety Training 15
First Aid & CPR Training  5
 

Total Non-Credit hours 38