OCFS-6002. Qualifications-Child Day Care Programs

The OCFS-6002 “Qualifications – Child Day Care Programs” form is used in New York State child care programs to document the education, training, and experience of individuals applying for or holding caregiving roles. It helps program administrators and OCFS verify whether a person meets the minimum qualifications required under Section 413 of state child care regulations. Although the form itself appears simple, completing it accurately is essential for timely program approval and staff clearance.

Purpose of the Form

This document serves as a structured way for day care programs to report the credentials of individuals whose role is pending—such as Providers, Assistants, Directors, Teachers, or Volunteers. OCFS reviews this information to ensure the program meets state staffing standards before the individual may supervise children or take on responsibilities that require regulatory approval.

In practice, the form functions as both a résumé summary and a compliance document. It records education, professional preparation, child care experience, and supervisory background where applicable.

When This Form Must Be Filed

• When onboarding a new staff member whose role requires OCFS approval.
• When an existing staff member applies for a new role with stricter qualifications (e.g., Assistant → Group Teacher).
• When opening, expanding, or renewing a child care license.
• When OCFS requests updated staff qualification documents during monitoring or inspection.

This form is not required for individuals who have no caregiving, supervisory, or instructional responsibilities.

Who Has the Right to Complete the Form

The form must be completed by the individual whose qualifications are being reviewed. Program administrators may assist, but the information must be truthful and verifiable. Directors and Providers often attach supporting documents to speed up approval.

Understanding Each Section of the Form

Program and Applicant Information

This section identifies the child care program and the individual whose role is pending. Providing accurate name, date of birth, and facility ID is essential for linking the form to the correct program file.

Type of Program and Role in Program

Applicants must specify both their program type (e.g., Family Day Care, Group Family Day Care, Day Care Center) and the role they expect to hold. OCFS uses this classification to apply the correct qualification requirements.

Common errors in this section include selecting the wrong program category—something that can delay approval because different program types have very different training and experience standards.

Education/Training

Applicants should list all degrees, credentials, and relevant coursework. This may include:

• College degrees in Early Childhood Education or related fields
• CDA (Child Development Associate) credentials
• Specialized training in child development, safety, or behavioral management
• Certificates from professional development providers

If you have accumulated college credits but have not completed a degree, listing credits is crucial—OCFS often uses them to determine partial qualification.

Child Care Experience

This section captures practical experience working with children. Typical entries may include prior employment at day care centers, volunteering in after-school programs, or babysitting experience with clear descriptions of responsibilities.

Many applicants provide vague descriptions such as “worked with kids”—which often results in OCFS requesting clarification. Specific age groups, tasks, and locations help avoid delays.

Supervisory Experience (for Director Roles)

Director candidates must document past supervisory work. This may include managing staff, overseeing classrooms, scheduling, or leading programs. Lack of supervisory experience is one of the most common reasons a Director applicant is initially denied.

Legal and Regulatory Context

New York State child day care regulations (Section 413) establish minimum qualifications for all staff positions to ensure children receive care from competent, properly trained individuals. Child care programs must comply with these rules to obtain or maintain their license. OCFS uses this form to verify compliance and to confirm staff suitability.

Submission of false or misleading information can result in disqualification or enforcement action, including license suspension.

Examples of Real-Life Use Cases

• A small day care center hires a new Assistant Teacher but must verify she meets the minimum education and training requirements. She completes this form and attaches her CDA certificate.
• A provider opens a Group Family Day Care and needs to register a Substitute who previously worked as a nanny. The form helps document her past work with toddlers.
• A school-age child care program promotes an employee to Director. OCFS requests the form to confirm the individual has supervisory experience.
• A volunteer applying to assist in a preschool classroom fills out the form to record basic training and background experience.

Practical Tips for Completing the Form

• Write clearly and provide complete date ranges.
• Use specific descriptions of responsibilities and age groups.
• Attach copies of degrees, transcripts, certificates, or training records.
• Ensure the role you select matches the qualifications you list.
• If you are unsure, include a résumé—OCFS reviewers often find it helpful.

Documents Commonly Attached

• High school or college diplomas
• Official or unofficial transcripts
• CDA or NYS teaching credentials
• CPR/First Aid training certificates
• Evidence of prior child care employment
• Résumé with detailed experience

FAQ

• Do I need to complete all sections? Only those applicable to your pending role; however, more detail usually speeds up approval.
• Can I submit the form without supporting documents? Yes, but OCFS may delay approval until proof of training or education is provided.
• Does volunteer experience count? It can, especially if it involves structured child supervision.
• How long does OCFS review take? It varies, but clear and complete documentation helps avoid back-and-forth requests.
• Can I update the form later? Yes. Staff may re-submit updates if they complete additional coursework or apply for new roles.
• What if I don’t meet the qualifications? You may still work in another role with fewer requirements, or complete additional training.
• Is supervisory experience mandatory for Directors? Yes, OCFS requires documented leadership or management experience.

Micro-FAQ (Short Answers)

• Purpose: To verify qualifications for child care staff.
• Who files: Anyone with a pending role requiring OCFS approval.
• Deadline: Before beginning unsupervised work with children.
• Attachments: Diplomas, transcripts, training records.
• Submitted to: The program’s licensor or registrar.
• Is it mandatory? Yes, for roles with qualification requirements.
• Format: Paper form with optional résumé attachment.
• Used for promotions? Yes, when qualification levels change.

Related Forms

• OCFS-6000 Staff Information Form
• OCFS-4875 Background Check Consent Form
• OCFS-4700 Child Care Program Application
• Health and Safety Training Certificates

Form Details

• Form Name: Qualifications – Child Day Care Programs
• Form Number: OCFS-6002
• Region: New York State
• Agency: Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)
• Revision Date: 08/2019