The Best Daycare Centers in Edwards, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Edwards. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Edwards
Gouverneur Child Care Center
Independent
Gouverneur Child Care Center is a highly-regarded facility located approximately 10 miles from Edwards, serving families throughout St. Lawrence County. They offer a comprehensive educational program based on Creative Curriculum with a strong focus on developmental milestones. The center features certified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, ensuring personalized attention. Their facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and nutritional meal programs. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, excellent communication, and the center's commitment to creating a foundation for lifelong learning through play-based and structured educational activities.
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Canton Day Care Center
Independent
Located about 20 miles from Edwards, Canton Day Care Center provides high-quality early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness. The center employs NYS-certified teachers and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. Their program includes STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts in a safe, stimulating environment. The facility features modern security systems, nutritious meal preparation, and extensive indoor and outdoor learning spaces. Parents frequently commend the professional staff, clean facilities, and the center's ability to prepare children for kindergarten transition.
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Small Wonders Early Learning Center
Independent
Small Wonders Early Learning Center, located approximately 15 miles from Edwards, offers a comprehensive early childhood program serving families throughout Northern New York. Their educational approach combines play-based learning with structured academic preparation, focusing on the whole child's development. The center features experienced early childhood professionals, secure facilities with monitored access, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. Their program includes music enrichment, physical activity programs, and regular progress assessments. Parents consistently highlight the caring staff, engaging curriculum, and the center's commitment to creating a warm, inclusive environment that supports each child's individual growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Edwards, NY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Edwards, NY, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Edwards, NY, 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 center-based programs. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations by using the OCFS "Child Care Program Search" tool online. It's highly recommended to cross-reference this official state database and ask the provider directly for their license number during your search in the Edwards area.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Edwards, NY, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In the Edwards and broader St. Lawrence County region, full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $175 to $250 per week. Center-based care tends to be on the higher end of this scale, while licensed family daycares may be slightly more affordable. Costs can vary based on specific programs, hours, and included amenities. For financial assistance, New York State offers the Child Care Subsidy Program, administered locally by the St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services. Eligibility is based on income, household size, and reason for care (work, training, etc.). Additionally, you can inquire with individual providers about possible sliding scale fees or private scholarships.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in Edwards, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Due to limited provider availability in smaller communities like Edwards, waitlists for infant and toddler spots at licensed centers can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months or more. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their list: your child's position, how often it's updated, and if a deposit is required to hold a spot. Also, expand your search to include licensed family daycares in the surrounding hamlets and townships, as they may have more immediate openings and offer a similar quality of care.
Are there any unique childcare options or programs in Edwards that cater to families in agricultural or shift-work professions?
Given Edwards' rural location in St. Lawrence County, where agriculture and shift-work at local industries are common, traditional 9-to-5 daycare may not suffice. Some licensed family daycare providers may offer more flexible or extended hours to accommodate early mornings, evenings, or irregular schedules. It's important to explicitly discuss your needed hours during initial inquiries. For more structured non-traditional care, parents often rely on networks of trusted, registered family providers or shared nanny arrangements with neighboring families. Contacting the St. Lawrence County Child Care Council can also help identify providers known for flexible scheduling.
What resources are available in Edwards to help me evaluate and choose a quality daycare program?
A key local resource is the Child Care Council of the North Country, which serves St. Lawrence County. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed and registered programs in Edwards and the surrounding area. Their counselors can provide checklists for quality indicators, explain state regulations, and help you understand what to look for during a visit. When evaluating a program, ask about staff qualifications and turnover, daily routines, nutrition policies, outdoor play opportunities (important in a rural setting), and their emergency plans for weather or other incidents. Always schedule an in-person visit to observe the environment and trust your instincts about the caregiver's interaction with the children.