The Best Daycare Centers in Chestertown, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Chestertown. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Chestertown
Kiddie Academy of Queensbury
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Queensbury provides comprehensive educational childcare with a structured Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The facility features secure entry systems, certified teachers with early childhood education backgrounds, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their program includes nutritious meal plans, outdoor playgrounds, and technology-integrated classrooms. Serving the broader Warren County area including Chestertown families, they maintain low student-teacher ratios and offer flexible scheduling options for working parents.
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The Children's Corner at SUNY Adirondack
The Children's Corner Early Childhood Center
Located on the SUNY Adirondack campus, The Children's Corner serves as both a childcare facility and early childhood education laboratory school. The center employs NYS-certified teachers and follows developmentally appropriate practices with a play-based learning approach. Features include observation rooms for parent viewing, inclusive programming for children with special needs, and collaboration with college early childhood education programs. The facility maintains rigorous safety protocols, including secured access and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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Lake George Elementary School Pre-K Program
Lake George Central School District
The Lake George Elementary School Pre-K program offers high-quality early childhood education through the public school district, serving families throughout the Lake George region including Chestertown. The program features NYS-certified early childhood teachers, a research-based curriculum aligned with state standards, and comprehensive developmental screenings. Facilities include dedicated preschool classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and access to school resources like libraries and gymnasiums. The program emphasizes school readiness through structured academic and social learning experiences in a secure educational environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Chestertown, NY
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Chestertown, NY, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Chestertown and the surrounding Adirondack region, full-time daycare for an infant or toddler typically ranges from $800 to $1,200 per month, while preschool for 3-5 year-olds may cost between $600 and $900 per month. These costs can vary based on the program's hours, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. For financial assistance, New York State's Child Care Subsidy Program is available for eligible families through the Warren County Department of Social Services. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth inquiring about potential scholarships through community organizations or checking if your employer offers a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
How do I verify that a daycare or childcare provider in Chestertown is properly licensed and what should I look for in an inspection report?
All licensed daycare providers in New York State are regulated by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). You can verify a Chestertown provider's license status and view their full inspection history by using the OCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool online. When reviewing a report, look for compliance with key regulations such as staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), required background checks, safe sleep practices for infants, and up-to-date fire and safety inspections. Pay attention to any "violations" noted, particularly those marked as "corrected" versus "not corrected." For family daycare homes in the area, also ensure they are registered with OCFS, as this is a separate category with specific in-home requirements.
Given Chestertown's rural location, what are the main types of childcare options available, and how far in advance should I apply due to waitlists?
Chestertown offers a mix of licensed family daycare homes (smaller, home-based settings) and center-based preschools or daycare programs, which may be limited in number due to the town's size. Some families also utilize legally exempt group family daycare or share a nanny with another local family. Given the limited slots, especially for infants and toddlers, it is highly recommended to begin your search and apply at least 6 to 12 months before your needed start date. Popular local programs often have significant waitlists. Expanding your search to nearby towns like Warrensburg or North Creek might provide additional options, but be prepared for potentially longer commute times.
Are there any daycare or preschool programs in Chestertown that offer flexible or non-traditional hours for parents with shift work or seasonal employment?
Finding childcare with extended, weekend, or overnight hours in Chestertown can be challenging, as most programs operate on a standard weekday schedule (e.g., 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM). Your best bet is to contact individual licensed family daycare providers directly, as some may offer more flexible arrangements to accommodate local needs, especially for parents working in the tourism, healthcare, or service industries prevalent in the Adirondacks. Another option is to explore the "Legally Exempt" caregiver network through a local enrollment agency, which can sometimes connect you with caregivers willing to work irregular hours. Clearly communicating your specific schedule needs early in your search is crucial.
What resources are available in Chestertown to help me find and evaluate local childcare providers?
A primary local resource is the Child Care Council of the Adirondack Region, which serves Warren County. They offer a free referral service to help parents find licensed and registered providers that match their needs, and they can provide guidance on what to look for during a visit. You can also connect with other parents through community hubs like the Chestertown Farmers' Market, the local library, or town Facebook groups for personal recommendations. For evaluation, always schedule an in-person visit to observe the environment, ask about staff qualifications and turnover, understand their emergency procedures (important in a rural area), and review their policies on illness, outdoor play, and communication with parents.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Chestertown: