OCFS-6003. References-Child Day Care Programs

Form OCFS-6003 is a reference information sheet required by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) as part of the approval, renewal, or staffing process for child day care programs. Although the form looks simple at first glance, it plays a crucial role in verifying the suitability, background, and reliability of anyone working in environments involving children. This includes providers, assistants, substitutes, directors, teachers, and volunteers.

The form asks applicants to list two required references—one personal and one employment-related—and provides an optional third reference. Because child care settings involve significant trust and responsibility, OCFS uses this document to assess an applicant’s character, communication skills, work habits, and past performance in caregiving or related roles.

Purpose and Importance of the Form

This form exists to ensure that individuals working with children meet the state’s standards for safety, professionalism, and reliability. OCFS requires references as part of its broader regulatory framework governing child day care, outlined in New York State Social Services Law and OCFS licensing regulations. References help confirm that an applicant is:

• Dependable and able to care for children safely
• Free from concerning behavioral patterns or prior workplace issues
• Capable of working in supervised or unsupervised child care settings
• Professionally qualified if applying for roles such as teacher or director

Submitting accurate and complete reference information is not optional—it is a mandatory compliance component for obtaining or maintaining approval to work in licensed child care programs.

Explanation of Key Sections

Program and Applicant Information

This section asks for the program name, facility ID number, and the applicant’s name. Applicants must also select their role: provider, assistant, substitute, director, teacher, or volunteer. This helps OCFS understand the context in which the applicant will be supervising or interacting with children.

Reference #1 (Required)

The form requires at least one employment reference if the applicant has ever worked outside the home. Many applicants make the mistake of providing two personal references instead—OCFS may return such submissions as incomplete. This section includes:

• Reference type (personal or employment)
• Full name and honorific
• Business name and full address
• Daytime phone number
• Email address
• Language spoken, if not English

Reference #2 (Required)

This second reference is also mandatory. One must be personal, one employment-related. If an applicant provides two personal references or two employment references without explanation, OCFS may follow up for clarification.

Reference #3 (Optional)

An optional third reference is helpful when:

• An applicant has limited employment history
• OCFS requests additional background information
• The applicant wants to strengthen their application with more positive evaluations

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Listing relatives (strictly prohibited)
• Providing references who cannot be reached during business hours
• Submitting incomplete addresses or missing ZIP codes
• Providing references who do not know the applicant well enough to comment
• Failing to list an employer when the applicant has work history

When This Form Is Required

You must submit Form OCFS-6003 when:

• Applying for a license to operate a family, group family, or small day care center
• Seeking employment in a day care center or school-age child care program
• Becoming a volunteer, substitute, or assistant
• Updating or renewing program staff files

You do not need to submit this form if you are not involved in child care activities regulated by OCFS.

Examples of Real-Life Situations

• A new assistant teacher applying to work in a school-age child care program must submit references to verify past work with children and confirm reliability.
• A family day care provider renewing their license needs updated references to meet the latest OCFS verification requirements.
• A substitute caregiver joining a small day care center must provide references even if the job is part-time or occasional.
• A volunteer helping with daily activities must also submit references to ensure child safety standards are upheld.

Supporting Documents You May Need

• Employment history documents
• Letters of recommendation (if available)
• Proof of prior child care or educational experience
• Additional references if OCFS requests them

Practical Tips for Completing the Form

• Choose references who know your work habits well and can speak professionally about your strengths.
• Confirm their contact details in advance to avoid delays.
• Inform your references that OCFS may contact them.
• Ensure all handwriting is legible if you complete the form by hand.
• Use a professional email address, if applicable.

FAQ

• Can I use a family member as a reference? No, OCFS does not allow relatives as references.
• What if I have never worked outside the home? You may provide two personal references, but list this circumstance clearly.
• How long does OCFS take to verify references? Verification time varies, but complete and accurate information speeds up the process.
• Do references need to live in New York? No, but they must be reachable and able to communicate with OCFS.
• What if my reference does not speak English? Indicate the language so OCFS can arrange appropriate communication.
• Can I use a former supervisor? Yes—employment supervisors are strong reference choices.
• What happens if OCFS cannot reach my reference? You may be asked to provide an alternative contact.

Micro-FAQ

• Purpose? To verify suitability for child care work.
• Who files? Anyone applying for child day care roles regulated by OCFS.
• Deadline? Submitted with application or staff documentation.
• Attachments? Optional letters or supplemental references.
• Submitted to? New York State OCFS or the program’s licensing representative.
• How many references? Two required, one optional.
• Relatives allowed? No.
• Employment reference needed? Yes, if you have any work history.
• Language requirement? Non-English speakers must be noted.
• Digital submission? Depends on program procedures.

Related Forms

• OCFS-6000: Child Care Provider Information
• OCFS-4930: Staff Health Form
• OCFS-6010: Background Check Authorization

Form Details

• Form Name: References – Child Day Care Program
• Form Number: OCFS-6003
• Agency: New York State Office of Children and Family Services
• Revision Date: 08/2019
• Applicable To: Child day care programs, staff, volunteers, and applicants