The Best Daycare Centers in Franklin Square, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Franklin Square. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Franklin Square
The Learning Experience - Franklin Square
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Franklin Square offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with proprietary curriculum including phonics, foreign language, and manners programs. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and surveillance cameras. Highly qualified teachers implement age-appropriate learning activities with low student-teacher ratios. The facility includes modern classrooms, indoor play areas, and structured outdoor play spaces. Parents praise the center's communication system and developmental progress tracking.
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Kiddie Academy of West Hempstead
Kiddie Academy
Kiddie Academy of West Hempstead serves Franklin Square families with their Life Essentials curriculum focusing on character development, STEM education, and social-emotional learning. The center maintains rigorous safety protocols including secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks for staff. Certified early childhood educators provide individualized attention with developmentally appropriate activities. The facility features bright, clean classrooms, dedicated nap areas, and age-appropriate playgrounds. The academy emphasizes nutrition with healthy meal options and maintains excellent parent satisfaction through regular communication and progress reports.
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Bright Horizons at Garden City
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Garden City provides premium early education services to Franklin Square area families with their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizing literacy, mathematics, and creative expression. The center employs degreed early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. Advanced security features include biometric entry systems and comprehensive emergency protocols. The facility offers spacious, well-equipped classrooms, dedicated art and music areas, and secure outdoor play environments. The center is noted for its strong parent partnership approach, regular developmental assessments, and emphasis on preparing children for kindergarten success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Franklin Square, NY
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Franklin Square, NY, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Franklin Square, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,400 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,500 to $2,000 per month. These rates are influenced by factors such as the center's accreditation, staff-to-child ratios, and included 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 if your employer provides a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA), which uses pre-tax dollars for childcare expenses.
How long are typical waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Franklin Square, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Waitlists for reputable licensed daycare centers in Franklin Square can be substantial, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, especially for infant rooms which have stricter capacity limits. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy if expecting, or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. Many popular centers in the area, such as those with strong educational curricula or convenient locations near major commuter routes, have the longest lists. Be proactive by touring multiple facilities, submitting applications (which may include a non-refundable fee), and following up periodically to express continued interest.
What are the key differences between a licensed group family daycare home and a daycare center in Franklin Square, and how do I verify their licensing?
In Franklin Square, a licensed daycare center is a facility in a commercial or institutional building that cares for larger groups of children (often 20+), with structured programs and multiple staff members. A licensed group family daycare home operates in a provider's residence and can care for up to 12 children, including the provider's own, offering a more home-like environment with potentially mixed-age groups. Both must meet New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations for health, safety, and staff qualifications. To verify licensing, you can use the OCFS "Child Care Facility Search" website or contact the OCFS Long Island Regional Office directly. Always ask to see the facility's current license during a tour.
Are there any daycare centers in Franklin Square that offer extended hours or accommodate parents with non-traditional work schedules?
While most standard daycare centers in Franklin Square operate from approximately 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, options for extended or non-traditional hours are limited but available. Some larger centers or chains may offer early drop-off (as early as 6:30 AM) or late pick-up (until 6:30 PM), often for an additional fee. For true evening, overnight, or weekend care, parents typically need to seek licensed group family daycare homes where providers may offer more flexible schedules, or explore arrangements with registered in-home nannies or babysitters. It's crucial to inquire directly with each provider about their specific hours and any flexibility, as this is a common challenge for shift workers in the area.
What should I look for during a daycare tour in Franklin Square to ensure it meets New York State standards and my family's needs?
During a tour in Franklin Square, first ensure the facility displays its current OCFS license. Observe the environment: Is it clean, safe, and well-lit with age-appropriate toys and secure outdoor play space? Check staff-child interactions—are they engaged and responsive? Ask about staff qualifications, turnover rates, and the adult-to-child ratio (NY requires 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers). Inquire about their curriculum, daily schedule, meal provisions (many follow USDA guidelines), and sick policies. Specifically for Franklin Square, consider practicalities like drop-off/pick-up logistics given local traffic, their protocol for emergencies, and how they communicate with parents (many use apps like Brightwheel or Tadpoles). Trust your instincts about the overall warmth and professionalism of the setting.
Nearby Cities
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