The Best Daycare Centers in Crittenden, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Crittenden. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Crittenden
KinderCare at Buffalo
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at Buffalo offers a comprehensive educational program serving families throughout the Buffalo metropolitan area, including Crittenden. Their research-based curriculum focuses on early literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The center features secure entry systems, certified teachers with early childhood education credentials, and age-appropriate learning environments. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provide nutritious meals. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor play spaces designed for different age groups, with a strong emphasis on safety and developmental appropriateness.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Buffalo
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Buffalo provides a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, including keypad entry and comprehensive monitoring. Their play-based curriculum incorporates STEAM learning, language development, and social skills. The facility includes multiple playgrounds, dedicated art and music rooms, and modern classroom environments designed to stimulate young minds.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Amherst
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Amherst offers the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach, blending purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities. The school maintains rigorous safety protocols including secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. All lead teachers hold early childhood education credentials and participate in continuous training. The facility features age-specific playgrounds, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated spaces for music, art, and movement activities. Their nutrition program provides balanced meals prepared on-site.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Crittenden, NY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Crittenden, NY, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Crittenden, New York, all childcare programs caring for three or more children for more than three hours a day 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 group family daycares or daycare centers. Licensed programs must meet strict standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. To verify a provider's compliance and view any inspection history, you can use the OCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool online. You can also contact the OCFS Western Regional Office, which oversees Erie County, for specific inquiries. Always ask any provider you visit for their license or registration number.
What is the average cost of full-time infant or toddler daycare in Crittenden, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Crittenden area (part of the Buffalo-Niagara region), the average cost for full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from $12,000 to $16,000 annually. Toddler care is slightly less, often between $10,000 and $14,000 per year. Family daycare homes may offer lower rates. For financial assistance, New York State offers the Child Care Subsidy Program for eligible families, administered through the Erie County Department of Social Services. Additionally, you may inquire about sliding scale fees at specific centers or scholarships from local organizations. The Child Care Resource Network (CCRN) of Buffalo & Erie County is a valuable free referral and support service that can help you navigate cost and subsidy options.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in the Crittenden area, and when should I start my search?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists at licensed daycare centers and highly-regarded family daycares in the Crittenden and surrounding Southtowns area can be significant. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, or even longer for infant rooms. We strongly recommend starting your search during pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, their process (e.g., if a deposit is required to hold a spot), and how often they update families on their position.
Are there any unique childcare options in Crittenden that cater to families with non-traditional work hours?
While most traditional daycare centers in Crittenden operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule, options for evenings, overnight, or weekend care are very limited. Your best bet for non-traditional hours is to search for licensed group family daycares or registered family daycares that may offer more flexible scheduling. You can specify your needed hours when using the search filters on the OCFS website or when contacting the Child Care Resource Network (CCRN) for referrals. Some healthcare workers or shift workers in the area form small nanny shares to cover these needs, which is an alternative to explore through local parent networks.
What resources are available in Crittenden to help me evaluate and choose a quality daycare program?
Beyond checking state licensing, several local resources can help. The **Child Care Resource Network (CCRN)** offers free, personalized referrals, a quality checklist for tours, and guidance on what questions to ask providers. They are based in Buffalo but serve all of Erie County. Secondly, you can look for programs that are voluntarily accredited by organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which signifies a higher standard of quality. Locally, talk to other parents at community spots like the Crittenden Library or through town Facebook groups for personal recommendations and experiences. Always schedule in-person tours to observe the environment, ask about curriculum, staff turnover, and safety protocols.