The Best Daycare Centers in Calverton, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Calverton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Calverton
The Goddard School of Riverhead
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Riverhead offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. Features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure keypad entry systems, live streaming classroom cameras for parents, and USDA-approved meal programs. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated art and music spaces. Serves families throughout Calverton and surrounding communities with flexible full-time and part-time scheduling options.
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Bright Horizons at Riverhead
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Riverhead provides comprehensive early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum, emphasizing emergent learning and project-based activities. The center features highly qualified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development, maintaining low teacher-to-child ratios. Security includes electronic entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness protocols. The modern facility includes dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, STEM learning centers, outdoor nature exploration spaces, and family communication portals. Offers corporate partnership benefits and serves Calverton families with research-backed developmental programs and extended hours flexibility.
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Little Flower Nursery School and Daycare
Little Flower Children and Family Services
Little Flower Nursery School provides quality early childhood education with a focus on social-emotional development and school readiness. Their research-based curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum components with Montessori-inspired practical life activities. Features NYS-certified early childhood teachers, small class sizes, and inclusive programming for children with diverse needs. The secure facility includes fenced playgrounds with safety surfaces, monitored access control, and comprehensive health and safety protocols. Offers Universal Pre-K programs through Riverhead School District partnerships and serves Calverton area families with sliding scale tuition options and extended care hours.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Calverton, NY
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Calverton, NY, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Calverton and the surrounding Riverhead area of Suffolk County, full-time daycare for an infant can range from approximately $1,400 to $1,800 per month, while toddler care is typically between $1,200 and $1,600 per month. Preschool programs often have slightly lower rates. These costs are influenced by factors like the center's accreditation, staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities. For financial assistance, New York State's Child Care Subsidy Program is available for eligible families, administered through the Suffolk County Department of Social Services. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's highly recommended to contact the Suffolk County DSS office or visit the NYS Office of Children and Family Services website to check current eligibility requirements and application processes.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Calverton?
All licensed daycare providers in New York State, including those in Calverton, are regulated by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). You can verify a provider's license and view their recent inspection reports, including any violations, through the OCFS "Child Care Facility Search" website. Simply enter the provider's name or location. It's crucial to look for providers with a "Licensed" or "Registered" status. For family daycare homes (caring for up to 6 children in a residence), ensure they are registered with OCFS. Always ask the provider for their license or registration number and cross-reference it online. The Suffolk County Department of Health may also have jurisdiction over certain health and safety aspects.
Are there many licensed daycare centers directly in Calverton, or will I likely need to look in neighboring towns?
Calverton itself is a hamlet with a more residential and rural character compared to larger commercial hubs. As such, there are a limited number of large, licensed daycare centers within Calverton's immediate boundaries. Parents often find options in neighboring communities like Riverhead (which has a greater concentration of centers), Manorville, Jamesport, and even as far as Wading River or Shirley. However, Calverton does have several licensed family daycare homes and smaller group family daycare programs operating in residential settings. Your search should include both "center-based" and "home-based" care, and be prepared to consider a commute of 10-20 minutes to access a wider variety of programs.
What is the current waitlist situation for daycare in the Calverton area, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited center-based slots in the immediate area, waitlists for infant and toddler care in and around Calverton can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, or even longer for highly sought-after providers. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. For preschool programs for 3-5 year-olds, waitlists also exist but may be shorter. When contacting providers, always ask about their specific waitlist policy, any associated fees to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their position.
What are some unique local factors or resources for parents seeking childcare in Calverton?
Calverton's location offers some unique considerations. First, being in an area with significant agricultural and aviation (Grumman/Calverton Executive Airpark) employment, some daycare providers may offer hours tailored to shift workers. Second, exploring care options through local community networks like the Riverhead Moms Facebook group or the Calverton Civic Association can provide word-of-mouth recommendations for trusted home-based providers. Third, the Riverhead Free Library and nearby parks like the Calverton Ponds Park are often utilized by childcare programs for outings, so inquiring about a provider's enrichment activities can give insight into their use of local amenities. Finally, consider transportation logistics, as some providers in neighboring towns may not offer bus service, making your commute a key factor.