Biz Buzz

Integrated Community Planning of Oswego County (ICP) is helping local residents turn their experience caring for children into a sustainable small business through its Child Care Business Program, which supports individuals interested in becoming licensed or registered Family Day Care or Group Family Day Care providers in New York State.

With child care shortages affecting families across Oswego County, the program is designed to remove common barriers that prevent people from opening home-based child care programs and to provide guidance throughout the entire process.

“Starting a child care business can feel intimidating,” said Brandy Koproski, Executive Director of ICP. “Our goal is to remove the barriers that prevent people from getting started and walk alongside them from the very first step through licensure and beyond.”

Through the Child Care Business Program, ICP provides personalized, hands-on support, including:

• Step-by-step guidance through the OCFS application and approval process
• Assistance navigating background checks and regulatory requirements
• Required trainings, including CPR/First Aid and Health & Safety
• Business support such as understanding small business operations and obtaining an EIN
• Training on developing a Family Policy Handbook to establish clear policies and expectations
• Ongoing communication and support to answer questions as they arise
• Financial assistance to cover required trainings, background checks, and approved startup expenses

The program is open to Oswego County residents interested in providing care in their homes. Experience caring for children under six, including parenting experience, may count toward eligibility requirements.

ICP, through the generous support of the Oswego County Child Care Investment Fund, is helping expand access to child care while creating opportunities for residents to build stable, home-based businesses that support working families and strengthen the community.

Those interested in learning more are encouraged to attend a Child Care Business Program Information Session or reach out directly to discuss their individual circumstances.