The Best Daycare Centers in Glen Oaks, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Glen Oaks. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Glen Oaks
The Learning Experience - Bellerose
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in nearby Bellerose offers a comprehensive early education curriculum with proprietary programs like L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) and enrichment activities including yoga, music, and philanthropy. The center features modern security systems including keypad entry, CCTV monitoring, and strict pick-up protocols. Certified early childhood educators provide age-appropriate learning through play-based and structured activities. The facility includes bright, colorful classrooms, indoor play areas, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. Parents appreciate the regular communication through mobile apps and daily activity reports.
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Kiddie Academy of Bayside
Kiddie Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Bayside provides a structured Life Essentials curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The center emphasizes STEM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills through hands-on activities. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, sanitization protocols, and nutritionally balanced meals prepared on-site. The academy maintains low student-teacher ratios and offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families in the Glen Oaks area.
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Tutor Time of Fresh Meadows
Learning Care Group
Tutor Time in Fresh Meadows offers an advanced educational approach with their proprietary Early Foundations curriculum, focusing on school readiness through literacy-rich environments and inquiry-based learning. The center features dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, age-appropriate learning centers, and secure outdoor playgrounds. Safety measures include coded entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The experienced teaching team creates individualized learning plans and provides detailed progress reports to parents. The center serves many families from Glen Oaks and surrounding communities with flexible full-time and part-time options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Glen Oaks, NY
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Glen Oaks, NY?
In Glen Oaks and the surrounding Queens area, daycare costs are generally on the higher end due to the New York City metro location. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,800 to $2,500 per month for full-time infant care. For toddlers, costs may range from $1,500 to $2,200 monthly. Home-based family daycare options are often more affordable, typically ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 per month. These prices reflect the high operational costs, required staff-to-child ratios set by New York State, and local demand. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition, such as meals, diapers, and enrichment activities.
How do I verify if a daycare provider in Glen Oaks is properly licensed and what should I look for in inspections?
All licensed daycare centers and family daycare homes in Glen Oaks must be registered with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). You can verify a provider's license and view their inspection history by using the OCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool online. When reviewing inspection reports for a Glen Oaks provider, pay close attention to any violations cited, especially those categorized as "serious" or "non-compliant." Also, look for patterns of repeated violations. You can contact the regional OCFS office for Long Island/Queens for further clarification. It's also recommended to visit in person and ask the director about their latest inspection and how any issues were resolved.
Are there any subsidized childcare or financial assistance programs available to Glen Oaks residents?
Yes, eligible families in Glen Oaks can apply for childcare subsidies through the New York City Administration for Children's Services (ACS). The main program is "Child Care Assistance," which helps low-income families pay for care so parents can work or attend job training. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care. Additionally, New York State offers a Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. For local resources, parents can contact the Queens North Family Welcome Center or non-profits like the Child Center of NY, which may have guidance or sliding-scale options. Applying early is crucial, as waitlists for subsidies can be long.
What is the average waitlist time for reputable daycare centers in Glen Oaks, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists for well-regarded daycare centers in Glen Oaks can be significant. It is common to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for popular centers. For infant care, it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists during your second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler programs, start looking at least 6-9 months before your desired start date. When touring facilities, always ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee, how often you need to check in, and how many families are typically ahead of you.
What are some of the key local factors or amenities I should consider when choosing a daycare in Glen Oaks?
Glen Oaks is a residential neighborhood, so consider daycares with safe, enclosed outdoor play spaces, as access to large public parks may require transportation. Given the area's diverse community, you may want to inquire about cultural inclusivity in curriculum and staff. Proximity to major roads like the Long Island Expressway (I-495) and Union Turnpike is practical for commuting parents. Also, consider centers that have clear protocols for weather-related closures or delays, which can impact your commute. Finally, many Glen Oaks parents work in nearby areas like Lake Success, Floral Park, or Manhattan, so inquire about early drop-off/late pick-up options to accommodate longer commutes.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Glen Oaks: