The Best Daycare Centers in Harris, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Harris. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Harris
Kiddie Academy of Montgomery
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Montgomery offers a comprehensive Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and STEM education. 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-to-teacher ratios. The facility includes modern classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and provides nutritious meals. Their educational approach emphasizes social-emotional development through structured play and hands-on learning experiences.
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The Learning Experience - Chester
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Chester provides a proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, mathematics, and social skills development. The center features bright, clean facilities with dedicated learning centers and secure outdoor play areas. All teachers are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing professional development. The program includes enrichment activities like yoga, music, and foreign language exposure. Parent communication is maintained through daily reports and a dedicated app.
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Little Harvard
Little Harvard Early Childhood Learning Center
Little Harvard offers a play-based educational approach combined with structured academic preparation. The center features developmentally appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and comprehensive safety protocols including secure entry systems. Experienced early childhood educators implement Creative Curriculum with focus on literacy, mathematics, and social development. The facility includes dedicated art, music, and movement spaces. Their program emphasizes individualized learning plans and regular developmental assessments with strong parent-teacher communication.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Harris, NY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Harris, New York, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Harris, New York, all childcare programs caring for three or more children for more than three hours a day must be licensed or registered with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). This includes family daycares (in a home) and group family daycares or childcare centers. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for health, safety, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR/First Aid), child-to-staff ratios, and facility inspections. To verify a provider's compliance and view any inspection reports or violations, you can use the OCFS online "Child Care Facility Search" tool. This public database is an essential resource for parents in Sullivan County to ensure they are choosing a legally operating and safe environment for their child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Harris, NY, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Harris and the surrounding Sullivan County area, the average cost for full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. For toddlers, costs may be slightly lower, averaging $900 to $1,200 per month. Family daycare homes can sometimes offer more affordable rates. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through the New York State Child Care Subsidy Program, administered locally by the Sullivan County Department of Family Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (e.g., work, school). Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Harris, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to high demand and limited capacity, especially for infant care, waitlists at licensed daycare centers and popular home-based providers in Harris and the greater Sullivan County region can be significant. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, particularly for infants under 18 months. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a move begin their search and get on waitlists as early as possible, ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before the desired start date. Being flexible with your start date can also improve your chances of securing a spot sooner.
Are there any unique childcare options in Harris that cater to the local rural and seasonal community?
Yes, Harris's location in the Catskills influences local childcare options. Some providers offer flexible or part-time schedules to accommodate parents in the tourism and hospitality industries, which have seasonal fluctuations. Additionally, you may find smaller, home-based family daycares that provide a more intimate, home-like setting, which is common in rural communities. For school-age children, the Sullivan County 4-H program and local community centers often offer after-school and summer camp programs that focus on outdoor activities, agriculture, and nature exploration, leveraging the area's natural environment. It's advisable to check community boards at local libraries or supermarkets for postings from smaller, registered home providers.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in Harris, and are there any local red flags?
When touring a daycare in Harris, observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment, check for secure outdoor play areas, and note the interactions between staff and children—they should be engaged and positive. Ask about their emergency procedures for things like power outages or severe weather, which can be relevant in a rural area. A major local red flag is a provider who is not willing to show you their current OCFS license or registration certificate, which should be prominently posted. Also, be cautious of providers operating without a license for multiple children, as this bypasses state health and safety oversight. Trust your instincts; if a facility seems consistently understaffed or the children appear unsupervised, consider it a serious warning sign.