The Best Daycare Centers in Fishers, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fishers. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fishers
The Little School
Independent
The Little School offers a comprehensive educational program with a play-based curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development and academic readiness. Their experienced teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features modern classrooms, secure entry systems, and extensive outdoor play areas. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through digital platforms, and focus on creating a nurturing environment that supports each child's individual development. Their preschool program includes literacy, mathematics, and science activities aligned with New York State learning standards.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Eastview
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Eastview provides a research-based curriculum called The World at Their Fingers, focusing on language, literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, dedicated age-appropriate classrooms, and certified teachers with ongoing professional development. Their emergent curriculum adapts to children's interests while ensuring kindergarten readiness. The facility includes indoor gross motor spaces and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. They offer enrichment programs in music, movement, and Spanish, along with comprehensive health and safety protocols.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Victor
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Victor offers the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. All teachers are qualified early childhood educators who participate in ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate learning centers, and multiple playgrounds. Their STEAM-focused curriculum includes hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics activities. The school provides daily updates to parents through a proprietary mobile app, nutritious meals, and emphasizes character development and social skills. Their kindergarten readiness program ensures smooth transitions to elementary school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fishers, NY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Fishers, NY, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Fishers, NY, all childcare programs caring for more than two children for more than three hours per day must be licensed or registered with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). This includes family daycares, group family daycares, and childcare centers. 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 Facility Search" tool online. It's highly recommended to visit any potential daycare in person and ask to see their current license certificate, which should be prominently displayed.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Fishers, NY, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Fishers and greater Rochester area, full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,800 per month, depending on the type of facility (center-based vs. home-based), its amenities, and its specific location. Costs for toddlers and preschoolers are generally slightly lower. For financial assistance, New York State offers the Child Care Subsidy Program for eligible families, administered locally through the Monroe County Department of Human Services. Additionally, some providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's also worth inquiring about Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) through your employer, which allow you to use pre-tax dollars for childcare expenses.
Are daycare waitlists common in Fishers, and how far in advance should I start looking for a spot?
Yes, waitlists for high-quality daycare, especially for infant care, are very common in Fishers and the surrounding Finger Lakes region. Due to limited infant-to-staff ratios mandated by New York State, infant spots are particularly scarce. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy or at least 6-12 months before you need care. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length, the process for securing a spot (e.g., deposit requirements), and how often they update families on their status.
What are some of the key differences between a licensed home daycare and a childcare center in Fishers?
The main differences lie in setting, scale, and structure. Licensed **Family or Group Family Daycares** operate out of a provider's home in Fishers. They often offer a smaller, more intimate, home-like environment with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. They may offer more flexible hours but have limited capacity (up to 6-12 children depending on license type). **Childcare Centers** are commercial facilities with multiple classrooms divided by age. They often have more structured educational curricula, larger staff teams, and more extensive facilities (like dedicated playgrounds and gyms). Centers typically follow a stricter schedule and may be less flexible with part-time care. Both are regulated by NYS OCFS, so safety and licensing standards are consistent.
How do Fishers area daycares handle school closures, snow days, and typical childhood illnesses?
Policies vary, so this is a critical question to ask during tours. For **weather-related closures**, most centers and home daycares in Fishers follow the Victor Central School District's delay or closure announcements, but you must confirm their specific policy. Some may remain open if staff can safely travel. For **childhood illnesses**, New York State has exclusion guidelines that providers must follow (e.g., for fever, vomiting, or contagious diseases like hand-foot-and-mouth). You will need to have a backup care plan for sick days. Regarding **school breaks** (like winter or spring break), many centers remain open, while home daycares may close if the provider takes vacation. Always get a detailed annual calendar and parent handbook outlining all closure days, sick policies, and required notification procedures.