Child Care Service
Learn about different child care options. Call the Council's Child Care Referral Service for referrals that meet your needs. The child care counselors are familiar with NYS regulated child care programs/centers and homes in Dutchess and Putnam counties. The child care options are for children 6 weeks though 12 years of age and in some instances, may be appropriate and referred for older children.
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The Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam, Inc.'s free referral service offers assistance in many areas pertaining to many aspects of child care, including but not limited to day care referrals, summer recreation information, nursery schools, pre-k programs and cost and subsidy information.
The Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam, Inc.'s day care referrals are not recommendations for child care. Providers are referred using information supplied by the parent as to hours of care needed, location, school district and any other applicable information. Parents are encouraged to visit the day care and meet with provider(s) before enrolling their child.
Three Ways to Get FREE Child Care Referrals
1. Call us at (845) 473-4141 or toll free at 1(888) 288-4148 and follow the prompt. A Child Care Specialist will be able to assist you in making an informed choice for child care.
2. Submit an Electronic Form: Fill out the online form and click to send. A Resource Coordinator will review the information and contact you within one business day. Click here to submit an Electronic Form.
3. Search on Your Own: Search our database 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to find child care centers, family and group family child care homes, school age programs, nursery schools and summer recreation programs in Dutchess and Putnam Counties. Click here to do an e-Child Care Search.
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The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is charged by State Law to regulate, license/register and monitor those child care settings that meet the State definition of child day care.
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Medicaid is available to income eligible families. The Department of Social Services determines eligibility.
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Healthy NY promotes access to quality health care by providing comprehensive health insurance to NY’s uninsured workers and their families.
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Child Care Subsidy - Help in paying for child care is available for income eligible working parents. Screening for eligibility is available.
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Food Benefits - WIC (Women, Infants and Children); Food Stamps for use in Supermarkets and Farmers Markets; Food Pantries; Summer Lunch Programs, or churches.
