Nursery school, Licensed by NYS Children& Family

I'm looking into nursery schools for the fall for my daughters.

The YMCA in Glen Cove has an excellent reputation, however isnt licensed by the NYS office of children and Family. Another school in the area that I like alot IS and we got a good vibe from that one.

Question: How important is it that a nursery school be licensed?

Message edited 2/3/2013 10:08:12 PM.

Nursery school, Licensed by NYS Children& Family

I believe if they run as a school for a certain amount of time or less they dont need to be licensed like daycares do. All of the ones i looked into weren't licensed.

That being said, I looked at schools that were long standing in the community with original or 2nd hand owners, low teacher turnover, cleanliness and organization in the rooms as well as well decorated rooms (colored walls as opposed to stark white/gray as well as children's artwork hanging) I also listened to recommendations from others.

Re: Nursery school, Licensed by NYS Children& Family

Re: Nursery school, Licensed by NYS Children& Family

Garden City Nursery School is a Licensed Nursery School (Under OCFS) Most Nursery Schools are not though.

Re: Nursery school, Licensed by NYS Children& Family

If a program is less than 3 hours per day, the school does not fall under the jurisdiction of OCFS. OCFS regulates programs 3+ hours a day.

A preschool can, however, voluntarily register with New York State Department of Education. To do this they must meed the standards set by them.

Hope this helps.

Cindy