Dalton, NY

This highly-regarded Head Start program serves families throughout Genesee County, including Dalton area residents. The center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a focus on school readiness, offering developmentally appropriate curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, and social-emotional development. Staff are certified early childhood educators with specialized training in trauma-informed care and inclusive education. The program includes nutritious meals, family engagement activities, and comprehensive support services. What sets this center apart is its evidence-based curriculum and strong parent partnership model, with regular developmental assessments and family goal-setting conferences.

The YMCA Childcare Center serves families throughout Genesee County with a comprehensive early childhood program built on the Y's values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. The center features age-appropriate classrooms with dedicated infant, toddler, and preschool areas, plus a secure outdoor playground. Curriculum focuses on whole-child development through play-based learning, literacy enrichment, and character education. All lead teachers hold early childhood certifications, and the center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. Unique features include swimming lessons for preschoolers, family membership benefits, and financial assistance programs for qualifying families.

While located in Rochester, this NAEYC-accredited center serves families throughout the region with exceptional early childhood programming. The center employs a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach that emphasizes child-directed learning, project-based curriculum, and beautiful, natural classroom environments. Features include an on-site nature exploration area, art studio, and movement room. All lead teachers hold bachelor's degrees in early childhood education or related fields, with ongoing professional development in emergent curriculum and anti-bias education. The center stands out for its strong parent cooperative elements, extensive documentation of children's learning, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.