New York City publishes inspection records for its child care centers, and most parents never look. Ten minutes with them before you tour can change which programs make your list.
The NYC Health Department regulates and inspects child care centers, and its free NYC Child Care Connect site lets you:
Home-based programs and after-school programs are regulated by New York State's Office of Children and Family Services, not the city, so look those up on the state's site instead. For free 3-K and Pre-K for All programs, the city has a separate finder.
If you ever believe a program is unsafe, unhealthy, or operating illegally, you can report it by calling 311 and asking to make a child care complaint.
Tammy Gold, LCSW, spent years matching families with nannies before writing Secrets of the Nanny Whisperer (Penguin). Today she works beside families, and their agencies, as a neutral expert: defining the job, interviewing candidates, checking references and setting up the first 30 days.
Tammy worked with New York families for years and spent part of her career as a school-based therapist. She helps you read inspection records, plan tours, and choose a program that fits your child — by video. How to choose a daycare · Questions to ask on a tour · Starting daycare.
One hour with Tammy, by video, before you commit.
$189
Screening call, reference questions, clinical interview, and trial-day checklist.
Download free ↓Questions first? Text (818) 308-1358 · info@caremapmethod.com
Tammy has no affiliation with, or financial interest in, any child care program. Legal, tax, visa, and licensing questions belong with the appropriate professional or agency.