The Best Daycare Centers in Glens Falls, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Glens Falls. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Glens Falls
Glens Falls Family YMCA Child Care Center
Glens Falls Family YMCA
The Glens Falls Family YMCA Child Care Center offers a comprehensive early childhood education program focused on whole-child development. Their curriculum emphasizes social-emotional learning, literacy development, and physical activity through the YMCA's proven educational approach. The center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, maintains low student-teacher ratios, and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, secure indoor play areas, and access to the YMCA's extensive recreational facilities. The center stands out for its strong community integration, character development programs, and flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Kiddie Academy of Queensbury
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Queensbury provides a structured educational program based on their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum, which focuses on academic readiness, character development, and technology integration. The center features highly qualified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development, secure keypad entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their facility includes modern classrooms, dedicated age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, and integrated technology learning stations. The academy is distinguished by its strong emphasis on STEM education, regular parent communication through electronic daily reports, and commitment to preparing children for kindergarten success through individualized learning plans.
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The Goddard School of Saratoga Springs
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Saratoga Springs offers a premier early childhood education program with a F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative expression. The school employs degreed teachers who implement developmentally appropriate practices and maintain low child-to-teacher ratios. Their facility features bright, well-equipped classrooms, multiple secure playgrounds, and advanced security systems including electronic entry and surveillance. The program excels in providing hands-on learning experiences, foreign language exposure, yoga and mindfulness activities, and comprehensive kindergarten readiness assessment. Parents appreciate the detailed progress reports, extended hours, and the school's commitment to creating a nurturing, play-based learning environment that fosters independence and critical thinking skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Glens Falls, NY
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Glens Falls, NY?
In Glens Falls and the surrounding Warren County area, costs can vary significantly based on the type of care and the child's age. For a licensed daycare center, full-time care for an infant (under 18 months) typically ranges from $1,100 to $1,400 per month. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), expect to pay between $950 and $1,200 per month. Preschool programs (ages 3-5) often cost between $800 and $1,000 monthly. Licensed home-based family daycare is generally more affordable, often ranging from $700 to $950 per month for full-time care. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that New York State offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, and some local providers may offer sliding scale fees.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare centers in Glens Falls, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited capacity, especially for infant care, waitlists at highly-rated daycare centers and preschools in Glens Falls can be substantial. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for infant spots. We strongly recommend that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool enrollment, starting your search 9-12 months in advance is a prudent strategy. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, schedule tours, and understand their specific enrollment timelines (many follow a school-year cycle). The Glens Falls Family YMCA and other larger centers often have structured enrollment periods.
What are the key New York State licensing requirements I should verify when choosing a daycare in Glens Falls?
All legal childcare providers in Glens Falls must be licensed or registered with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). Key requirements you can and should verify include: **Staff-to-Child Ratios** (e.g., 1:4 for infants under 18 months, 1:5 for toddlers, 1:7 for 3-year-olds), **Maximum Group Sizes**, and **Staff Qualifications** (including background checks, fingerprinting, and mandated training in topics like SIDS, Shaken Baby Syndrome, and CPR/First Aid). You can check a provider's compliance history, including any violations, on the OCFS website. Additionally, look for providers that go beyond minimums, such as those with accreditation from organizations like NAEYC or participation in New York's QualitystarsNY rating system.
Are there any unique local resources or programs for finding and vetting childcare in the Glens Falls area?
Yes, the primary local resource is the **Child Care Council of Warren, Washington & Hamilton Counties**. This non-profit agency, based in the region, offers a free referral service to help parents find licensed and registered childcare that fits their needs. They maintain an up-to-date database of providers, can help you understand quality indicators, and explain financial assistance options like CCAP. They also offer guidance on what to look for during a site visit. Another local resource is the **Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce**, which may have listings for member childcare businesses. For school-age care, the **Glens Falls City School District** can provide information on before- and after-school programs.
What options are available for school-age childcare, especially given the Glens Falls City School District's schedule?
For school-age children (Kindergarten through 5th grade), several options exist in Glens Falls. The most prominent is the **Glens Falls Family YMCA**, which offers a robust before- and after-school program that includes transportation from district elementary schools to their facility. The program typically includes homework help, snacks, and recreational activities. Some individual daycare centers also offer school-age programs. During school breaks, summer camps, and snow days, these programs often convert to full-day care, but space is limited and early registration is crucial. Additionally, organizations like the **Adirondack Gymnastics** and **World Awareness Children's Museum** offer specialized after-school enrichment programs that can complement partial childcare needs. Always confirm transportation logistics directly with the provider.
Nearby Cities
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