The Best Daycare Centers in Forestburgh, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Forestburgh. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Forestburgh
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Warwick offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that balances academic learning with creative play. Their play-based curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and arts, delivered by qualified early childhood educators. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and provide regular developmental assessments. The school emphasizes character development and social skills while offering enrichment programs including yoga, music, and Spanish.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Experience - Monticello
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Monticello provides a structured curriculum that includes early literacy, mathematics, and social skills development. Their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) incorporates technology and hands-on activities. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, modern classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Staff members hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing training. The program includes enrichment activities like music, movement, and philanthropy lessons. They offer flexible scheduling and maintain strong parent communication through daily reports and digital updates.
Daycare Services:
Small Wonders Child Care Center
Independent
Small Wonders Child Care Center offers a nurturing environment with a play-based learning approach that emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum elements with focus on language development, cognitive skills, and physical development. The center maintains small class sizes with qualified teachers who have extensive early childhood experience. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate learning centers, and outdoor play spaces. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, and emphasize individualized attention with regular progress reports for parents. The center has established strong community connections and maintains excellent safety records.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Forestburgh, NY
What types of licensed childcare options are available in Forestburgh, NY, given its rural setting?
In the rural Town of Forestburgh, Sullivan County, licensed childcare options are primarily limited to family daycare homes and small group family daycare. Due to the low population density, there are no large daycare centers within the town itself. Many families utilize licensed providers in neighboring towns like Monticello or utilize legally exempt (informal) care with relatives or neighbors. The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) licenses all providers. You can search for licensed homes in the area using the OCFS online Child Care Provider Search, but be prepared to expand your search radius to surrounding communities. Given the limited local supply, securing a spot often requires planning well in advance.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with childcare costs for Forestburgh residents?
Yes, eligible families in Forestburgh can apply for the New York State Child Care Subsidy Program, administered locally by the Sullivan County Department of Family Services. This program provides financial assistance based on income, family size, and reason for care (e.g., work, training). Given the generally lower cost of living in Sullivan County compared to downstate, subsidy thresholds may allow more middle-income families to qualify. Additionally, you may be eligible for the NYS Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. It's crucial to apply for subsidies early, as funding can be limited and the approval process can take time. Contact the Sullivan County DSS office in Monticello for the most current application information and eligibility requirements.
How do waitlists for daycare typically work in the Forestburgh area, and how far in advance should I apply?
Due to the very limited number of licensed providers in Forestburgh itself, waitlists for the few local family daycare homes can be long and informal, often operating on a word-of-mouth or first-come, first-served basis. For providers in nearby population centers like Monticello, waitlists are more formal but can still be 6 to 12 months long, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended that expecting parents in Forestburgh begin contacting providers by the end of their first trimester. When inquiring, ask directly about their waitlist policy, any deposit required to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their position. Being flexible on your start date can significantly improve your chances.
What are the typical hours of operation for childcare providers in Forestburgh, and are there options for parents with non-standard work schedules?
Most licensed family daycare homes in Forestburgh and the surrounding rural areas operate on a fairly standard schedule, typically from 7:00 or 8:00 AM to 5:00 or 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Options for evening, overnight, or weekend care are extremely rare within the town itself. Parents working in hospitality, healthcare, or other industries with shift work in Sullivan County may need to create a patchwork solution, such as combining a part-time daycare spot with care from a family member or a legally exempt provider. Some providers in Monticello may offer slightly more flexible hours. Clearly communicating your schedule needs during your initial search is essential.
Beyond state licensing, what should I look for or ask about when visiting a potential daycare home in Forestburgh?
When visiting a family daycare home in Forestburgh, start by verifying their current OCFS license is posted. Given the rural environment, ask specific questions about their emergency preparedness plan: How do they handle power outages, which can be more frequent? What is their protocol for wildlife encounters (e.g., bears, coyotes) during outdoor play? Inquire about their transportation policy for school-age children, as they may need to meet a bus on a state highway. Ask about their indoor and outdoor play areas and how they incorporate nature-based learning, a benefit of the rural setting. Finally, request references from other local families to understand their experience with the provider's reliability and communication, which is especially important in an area with fewer alternatives.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Forestburgh: