It is essential to provide a healthy and safe environment for children to thrive. Child care facilities in Dutchess County may be regulated by NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) or The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH).
The Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam County can provide a list of regulated facilities to help your search.
Your child will need a complete medical examination by a physician or nurse practitioner within six months prior to admission.
A written statement of your child’s health status from the physician’s office is required.
Your child must be vaccinated against rubeola (measles), rubella, mumps, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, haemophilus influenza type b, hepatitis B and varicella when there are no medical contraindications documented by a physician’s certificate.
Your child (1- 6 years of age) will need a certificate of lead screening. Your provider may give information on lead poisoning when a certificate of lead screening does not exist.
Child care facilities are regulated by DBCH if they have 6 or more children and operate for at least 3 hours a day with no session greater than 3 hours. Contact your nearest DBCH district office or NYS OCFS to determine which agency your child day care may fall under.
Child care facilities are inspected for health and safety measures.
These include:
