The Best Daycare Centers in Cleverdale, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Cleverdale. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Cleverdale
Kindercare Learning Center
Kindercare Education LLC
Kindercare Learning Center in Queensbury is a highly-rated facility known for its research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, and social-emotional development. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with keypad entry and monitored play areas. Parents praise the consistent communication through daily reports and the focus on individualized learning plans. The center offers nutritious meals and snacks, indoor and outdoor play spaces, and enrichment programs like music and movement, making it a top choice for families in the Cleverdale area.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, LLC
The Goddard School in Queensbury stands out for its play-based learning approach integrated with a structured curriculum that covers STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities. The school employs degreed and certified teachers who receive ongoing training, and it maintains high safety standards with secure classrooms and fenced playgrounds. Highlights include a focus on character development, parent involvement through regular updates and events, and a variety of extracurricular options like yoga and foreign language exposure. With its emphasis on holistic child development and strong community reputation, it serves as a reliable option for Cleverdale residents.
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Kiddie Academy of Queensbury
Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising LLC
Kiddie Academy of Queensbury offers a comprehensive Life Essentials® curriculum that promotes academic readiness and social skills through hands-on activities and technology integration. The center is noted for its qualified staff with backgrounds in early childhood education, robust safety protocols including background checks and emergency drills, and a clean, stimulating environment with age-appropriate learning centers. Parents appreciate the transparent communication via electronic daily reports and the focus on health and wellness, including balanced meals and ample physical activity. Its convenient location and flexible scheduling make it a popular choice for families in and around Cleverdale.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Cleverdale, NY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Cleverdale, NY, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Cleverdale, New York, all childcare programs caring for three or more children must be licensed or registered with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). This includes family daycares (in a home) and center-based programs. Licensed centers undergo rigorous inspections for health, safety, staff qualifications, and program standards. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations by using the OCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool online. It's highly recommended to cross-reference this official state database and ask the provider directly for their license number before enrolling your child.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Cleverdale, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Cleverdale and greater Lake George region, full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, with center-based care often at the higher end of that scale. Costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, staff-to-child ratios, and included services like meals. For financial assistance, New York State offers the Child Care Subsidy Program through the Warren County Department of Social Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, training, etc.). Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth inquiring directly.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Cleverdale, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists for well-regarded daycare centers in the Cleverdale area can be significant. It is not uncommon for families to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. We strongly advise parents to begin researching and touring facilities as soon as possible, ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy or earlier. Getting on multiple waitlists is a common strategy. For more immediate or flexible options, consider exploring licensed family daycares, which may have shorter wait times and offer a home-like setting.
Are there any daycare centers or programs in Cleverdale that offer unique educational philosophies or outdoor-focused curricula?
Yes, reflecting the Adirondack region's character, several local providers emphasize outdoor and nature-based learning. While specific philosophies like Montessori may require a short commute to nearby Glens Falls or Queensbury, some Cleverdale-area daycares integrate "forest school" principles, with regular outdoor exploration and play, weather permitting. It's important to ask providers about their daily curriculum and how they utilize the natural environment. The Warren County Early Childhood Direction Center can also be a resource for identifying programs with specific educational approaches suited to your family's values.
What should I know about seasonal childcare needs in Cleverdale, given its location as a summer tourism destination?
Cleverdale's seasonal tourism economy creates unique childcare dynamics. Many year-round daycare providers have stable enrollment, but summer can bring increased demand from seasonal workers' families. Conversely, some programs may offer summer-only or flexible "camp-style" sessions for older preschoolers. If you are a seasonal resident or worker, it's crucial to communicate your needs very early, as spots are extremely limited. For year-round residents, planning for summer continuity is generally advised, as switching providers for just a season can be difficult. Always confirm a provider's operational calendar, as some may have reduced hours or close for brief periods outside the peak summer season.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Cleverdale: