The Best Daycare Centers in Ashland, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ashland. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ashland
Kiddie Academy of Kingston
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Kingston provides comprehensive educational childcare with a proprietary Life Essentials curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features state-certified teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure keypad entry systems, and modern classroom environments with age-appropriate learning materials. Their program includes daily progress reports, nutritious meals, and extensive indoor/outdoor play areas. Serving the Ashland area with transportation options, they maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and have received consistent high marks for safety and educational quality.
Daycare Services:
The Children's Home of Kingston
The Children's Home of Kingston
The Children's Home of Kingston offers a unique blend of traditional childcare and specialized early intervention services. Their educational approach integrates play-based learning with structured academic preparation, featuring certified special education teachers and therapeutic support staff. The facility includes secure, monitored environments, modern learning centers, and specialized equipment for children with diverse needs. With strong parent communication systems and individualized learning plans, they serve Ashland families through comprehensive developmental screening and family support services. Their long-standing reputation for quality care and inclusive programming makes them a top regional choice.
Daycare Services:
Saugerties KinderCare
KinderCare Learning Companies
Saugerties KinderCare provides nationally-recognized early childhood education with research-based curriculum focusing on literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills development. The center features degreed teachers, secure building access with coded entry, and comprehensive safety protocols including regular emergency drills. Their program includes phonics-based reading instruction, hands-on STEM activities, and structured play environments. Serving Ashland area families with flexible scheduling options, they offer nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent-teacher conferences, and detailed developmental assessments. The center maintains excellent state compliance records and has consistently high parent satisfaction ratings.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ashland, NY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Ashland, NY, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Ashland, New York, all childcare programs caring for three or more children away from their own home must be licensed or registered with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). This includes daycare centers, family daycares, and school-age childcare programs. Licensing ensures providers meet health, safety, and staff training standards. To verify a provider's status, you can use the OCFS online "Child Care Program Search" tool or contact the OCFS regional office for the Hudson Valley/Catskill region, which oversees Greene County. It's crucial to check this, as unlicensed care may not offer the same protections or oversight. Licensed providers in Ashland will have their certificate visibly posted.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Ashland, NY, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Ashland and the surrounding Greene County area, full-time daycare for an infant can average between $900 to $1,200 per month, while toddler care may range from $800 to $1,100 monthly. Costs can vary based on the type of care (center-based vs. family daycare) and specific program offerings. For financial assistance, New York State's Child Care Subsidy Program is available for eligible families, administered locally through the Greene County Department of Social Services. Additionally, you may inquire about sliding scale fees at certain non-profit centers or check if you qualify for the NYS Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. It's recommended to contact the Greene County DSS directly for the most current eligibility guidelines and application process.
Are there any nature- or farm-based preschool or daycare options in the Ashland, NY area, given its rural setting in the Catskills?
Yes, Ashland's location in the Northern Catskills lends itself to unique childcare options that embrace the rural environment. While specific programs may change, families often find family daycare providers or small preschools that incorporate outdoor play, gardening, and nature exploration as a core part of their curriculum. Some providers on larger properties may offer farm-animal interactions. To find these options, check local community boards at places like the Ashland Post Office or the Town Hall, and use online directories like the OCFS search filtered for Greene County, paying close attention to program descriptions. Networking through local parent groups on social media can also uncover these sought-after, smaller-scale programs.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Ashland, and when should I start looking for care before I need it?
Due to the limited number of dedicated daycare centers in a small town like Ashland, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for families to be placed on a waitlist for 6 to 12 months, or even longer. We strongly recommend beginning your search and making inquiries at least 9-12 months before your anticipated start date. For expectant parents, starting the process during the second trimester is advisable. Be sure to get on multiple lists and maintain communication with providers every few months. Also, expand your search to include licensed family daycares in Ashland and neighboring towns like Windham, Prattsville, or Jewett, which may have shorter wait times.
What resources are available in Ashland, NY, for finding and evaluating local babysitters or occasional childcare?
For occasional or babysitter care in Ashland, formal agencies are scarce, but community-based resources are key. Start by inquiring at the Greenville Public Library (serving the Ashland area) for community bulletin boards or recommendations. The local school district (Cairo-Durham Central School District) may have a list of responsible high school students or graduates seeking babysitting work. Additionally, joining community Facebook groups such as "Greene County, NY Moms" or "Catskills Community Board" is an excellent way to get personal referrals from other parents. Always conduct interviews, check references, and ensure any regular sitter understands New York's safe sleep and childcare guidelines, even for informal arrangements.