The Best Daycare Centers in East Rockaway, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in East Rockaway. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in East Rockaway
The Goddard School of East Rockaway
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of East Rockaway 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 state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Highly qualified teachers implement developmentally appropriate curriculum with STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides daily communication to parents about their child's activities and progress. Their comprehensive safety protocols and nurturing environment make them a top choice for families in the area.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Lynbrook
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Lynbrook serves the East Rockaway community with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character education, health and fitness, and technology integration. The center features modern security systems including electronic entry and surveillance cameras. Certified early childhood educators provide personalized attention through small class sizes and individualized learning plans. Their program includes nutritious meals, Spanish language exposure, and regular progress reports. The academy emphasizes social development and school readiness while maintaining comprehensive health and safety standards that exceed state requirements.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Oceanside
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Oceanside provides high-quality early education with their World at Their Fingertips® curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The center features purpose-built classrooms with natural lighting, age-appropriate learning materials, and secure outdoor play spaces. Their highly qualified teaching staff includes educators with bachelor's and master's degrees in early childhood education. The program focuses on developing critical thinking skills, social competence, and emotional intelligence through project-based learning. Enhanced health and safety protocols, including advanced air filtration systems and rigorous cleaning procedures, ensure a protected learning environment for all children.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in East Rockaway, NY
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in East Rockaway, NY, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In East Rockaway, the cost for full-time daycare or preschool typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,800 per month for an infant or toddler, with slightly lower rates for preschool-aged children. These costs are influenced by factors such as the program's curriculum, staff-to-child ratios, and facility amenities. For financial assistance, New York State offers the Child Care Subsidy Program through the Nassau County Department of Social Services, which helps eligible families based on income and need. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth checking with employers in the area, as some may participate in Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Parents are encouraged to contact the Nassau County Child Care Council for personalized referrals and guidance on subsidies.
How long are waitlists for licensed daycare centers in East Rockaway, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Waitlists for licensed daycare centers in East Rockaway can vary significantly but often range from 3 to 12 months, especially for infant care, which is in high demand due to limited slots. For popular centers or those affiliated with local schools or community organizations, waitlists may be longer. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 6-12 months before the desired start date. Many centers in the area have formal waitlist procedures and may require a non-refundable deposit. To improve your chances, consider applying to multiple programs and checking in periodically for updates on availability.
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in East Rockaway, and how can I verify a provider's compliance?
All daycare providers in East Rockaway must be licensed or registered with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). Licensing requirements include background checks for staff, health and safety inspections, age-appropriate curriculum plans, and specific staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants). To verify a provider's compliance and view any past violations, parents can use the OCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool online, which provides detailed inspection reports and licensing status. Additionally, the Nassau County Department of Health conducts regular inspections for health and sanitation. Always ask providers for their license number and check it against the state database to ensure they are in good standing.
Are there part-time or flexible childcare options available in East Rockaway for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Yes, there are part-time and flexible childcare options in East Rockaway, though they may be less common than full-time programs. Some licensed daycare centers offer half-day programs or 2-3 day per week schedules, particularly for preschool-aged children. For more flexibility, parents can explore family daycare homes, which are often smaller and may accommodate irregular hours. Additionally, local nanny shares or babysitting cooperatives through community groups like the East Rockaway Moms Facebook page can provide customized solutions. For parents with shift work, it's important to inquire directly with providers about extended hours or weekend care, as some may offer these services for an additional fee.
What resources are available in East Rockaway to help me find and evaluate quality childcare options?
East Rockaway parents have several local resources to find and evaluate childcare. The Nassau County Child Care Council offers free referrals, parenting workshops, and checklists for evaluating quality. You can also use the New York State OCFS online search tool to check licensing and inspection reports. Community-based resources include the East Rockaway Public Library, which may host parenting groups, and local online forums like the "East Rockaway, NY Community" Facebook group, where parents share recommendations. When evaluating options, consider visiting centers in person, observing staff-child interactions, asking about staff turnover, and checking for accreditation from organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near East Rockaway: