Care for Children through Five Years of Age
Child care is limited in New York City and tends to be expensive. It is therefore important to plan ahead as much as possible. Costs for care vary with the age of the child, the type of care, program hours, and the community in which it is provided. For instance, due to legal requirements which mandate the staff-child ratio for licensed center-based care, the younger the child, the higher the staff-child ratio, therefore the higher the cost.

Pre-schools and day care centers typically serve children three to five years of age, though some centers do continue to provide before and after-school services for school-age children. These schools vary with respect to cost, philosophy, curriculum, and schedule. Generally a pre-school provides half-day sessions while day care facilities offer full day programs. All centers or schools caring for seven or more children under the age of six for more than five hours per week for more than one month a year must have a license issued by the New York City Department of Health.

Family child care is another common type of child care, provided in an individual's home for infants, pre-school, and school-age children. Individuals who care for more than two children other than their own must be registered or licensed by the State. The regulation process requires, among other things, that the care provider be at least eighteen years of age, have one to two years of experience caring for children, and participate in regular training. In addition, the regulations stipulate the number and ages of children cared for. For instance, there are to be no more than two children under the age of two, with a maximum of five children, or a maximum of six children if none of those cared for are under the age of two.
In-home care, sometimes referred to as "babysitting" or "nanny care," offers the advantage that the care is provided in your own home. It is the most expensive form of care and is not licensed.

After-school or extended day care programs are provided in a variety of settings, including by some public schools. These programs provide child care during the early mornings or late afternoons when parents are at work, in school, or otherwise occupied.

Finding Care
New York University has contracted with Ceridian Lifeworks, a child care information and referral service. A child care specialist is available to explain in more detail the various types of child care, to research and identify child care in your community, and to provide you with useful educational information and tools to help you assess the quality of the programs. They can be reached at (212) 998-9085, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. When you call, identify yourself as an NYU student.

Personal networking is another good way to find child care. Speak with neighbors, classmates, and colleagues about the programs in which they have their children enrolled.

Schools
Public school education-elementary through high school-in the United States is free and compulsory. As an apartment renter or homeowner, you pay taxes indirectly or directly and thus earn the right to enroll your child in the public school system. If you would like to enroll your child in public schools in New York City, call the New York City Board of Education, Office of Zoning at (718) 935-3555 and tell them where you live, or go to the website. They will then provide you with the local community school district you live in and the name, address and phone number of the school for which you are zoned. Call the school to determine how to register your child. They will need proof of your address and proof of immunizations for your child(ren). The NYU Office of Work-Life Services can also provide you with additional educational materials to help you understand the school system. Call the Office of Work-Life Services at (212) 998-9085.

Child Abuse or Neglect
Child rearing customs differ from culture to culture. In the United States, there are laws aimed at protecting children from physical and psychological abuse from their parents or child care providers. A parent or guardian who abuses a child or does not provide adequate care or supervision can be reported to the Child Protective Services, of the New York City Administration for Children Services. Severely neglecting a child's basic hygiene or feeding can also be reported by neighbors or teachers as an offense called "denial of critical care." Inadequate supervision, such as leaving a child alone for long periods of time, may also be investigated.

Teachers, neighbors, police, and the Department of Human Services are committed to keeping children and property safe. With that in mind, you will want to teach your children to stay away from streets and parking lots when playing, to respect other people's property, and to obey laws. It is also wise to teach children not to get in cars or follow people they do not know, since this is a way children are abducted.

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