Child Care Council of Suffolk
A nonprofit organization supporting Suffolk County families with child care referrals, subsidy guidance, and early childhood education training. They help parents find quality, licensed programs in their area.
Child Care Council of Nassau
Similar to Suffolk’s Council, this agency supports families in Nassau County with resources to find and afford quality child care. They also offer parent workshops and provider support.
QUALITYstarsNY
New York State’s official early childhood quality rating and improvement system. It helps families identify programs that meet high standards for learning and care.
CSEA/VOICE
A union representing family and group family child care providers in New York State. CSEA/VOICE helps strengthen the child care workforce, advocates for better working conditions, and supports high-quality care.
Docs for Tots
An organization that connects pediatric health with early learning. They offer resources to improve the social-emotional health of young children and support both parents and child care providers with tools and referrals.
Help Me Grow – Long Island
A free resource network that helps families with young children (birth to age 5) access child development support, screenings, and early intervention services.
Early Care & Learning Council
The statewide organization that oversees and supports all of New York’s child care resource and referral agencies. They work to improve access, affordability, and quality of care.
New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)
The regulatory agency that licenses and oversees child care providers in New York. Parents can check if a provider is licensed and learn about safety and compliance standards here.
Long Island Association for the Education of Young Children (LIAEYC)
A local affiliate of NAEYC, LIAEYC supports early childhood educators and promotes best practices in the field. They also offer family events and parent education.
Nassau BOCES
Provides special education, early childhood programs, and services to children with developmental needs. They work closely with school districts to support families of preschool-aged children.
Suffolk County Department of Social Services (DSS)
Offers child care subsidies for eligible families in Suffolk County. They help parents access affordable care while they work, attend school, or participate in job training.
Nassau County Department of Social Services (DSS)
Provides similar services to families in Nassau County, including assistance with child care costs through public programs and vouchers.
Child Care Aware of America
A national organization that supports military and civilian families in finding child care and advocates for high-quality, affordable early learning across the country.
New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute (NYEC PDI)
Supports early childhood educators through career development, training, and research. Families benefit from the institute’s work in improving the quality of child care statewide.
Pyramid Model Consortium
Provides training and resources for social-emotional learning in early childhood settings. Many educators use this model to help young children develop empathy, resilience, and positive behavior.
Long Island Head Start
A federally funded program offering free, high-quality preschool and family services to eligible families. Head Start supports school readiness and family well-being through education, nutrition, and developmental screenings.