On Saturday October 18th, after a work session with the OCFS, we have a small win to share! The NYS OCFS Website has been updated to clarify the "intended use of the compliance report information, the limitations of the information in the compliance reports, and information on how to understand violations and oversight."
This is important because insurance agencies and NYS public school districts are improperly using the information on the OCFS website when determining insurance risk/cost/coverage and when selecting community organizations to partner with for UPK programs. Insurance companies misinterpret any "violations" as an uninsurable risk and are dropping coverages or increasing rates, regardless of the nature or severity of the "violation." School districts are using compliance report information as reasons not to partner with specific licensed programs. Independently, this change is not enough change to satisfy the industry's needs and obstacles, but this is a very important step in the right direction as it demonstrates the OCFS is recognizing and acknowledging the crippling problems we face as a result of the current system. We were told that additional changes, including how violations are worded/classified and program quality indicators, are forthcoming.
The following information is now listed live on the website before someone is able to search for the compliance report of a licensed/registered childcare provider:
Intended Use of This Information
This resource is intended for parents and guardians seeking child care options. Families can use it to explore available programs, review compliance history, and gather initial details to help make informed decisions. However, it is essential to contact providers directly to verify program details, availability, costs, and policies. Visiting a provider in person and speaking with caregivers is highly recommended to assess whether the program is a good fit for your family's needs.
Limitations of This Information
This search tool is not intended to be used by school districts, insurance agencies, businesses, or other entities to make decisions about child care providers or the quality of their programs. While compliance records may be available, they are not a comprehensive measure of program quality. Licensing inspections focus on NYS required health and safety standards as OCFS is the oversight entity but do not fully reflect the educational environment, caregiver-child interactions, or overall child experience.
Understanding Violations and Oversight
Child care programs are regularly monitored to ensure they meet health, safety, and operational requirements. During inspections, violations may be identified, but it is important to understand that violations do not necessarily mean a program is unsafe or low-quality. Many violations are minor, administrative, or quickly corrected upon follow-up. Regular oversight and the identification of violations are part of New York State's commitment to maintaining high standards for child care programs and ensuring continuous improvement.
When reviewing a provider's compliance history, families should consider the nature of any violations, whether they were corrected, and the overall history of the program. For more guidance, families can contact their local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for assistance in evaluating program quality.