The Best Daycare Centers in Highland Falls, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Highland Falls. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Highland Falls
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach. The center features certified early childhood educators with small class sizes and low teacher-to-child ratios. Their curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy readiness, and hands-on learning experiences. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent-teacher conferences, and developmental progress tracking. The center is known for its warm, family-oriented atmosphere and strong community connections in Highland Falls.
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Kiddie Academy of Cornwall
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Cornwall serves families throughout the Highland Falls area with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, STEM learning, and literacy. The center features state-licensed teachers with ongoing professional development, secure keypad entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their facility includes modern classrooms, indoor gross motor spaces, and age-specific outdoor playgrounds. The academy offers flexible scheduling options, healthy meal programs, and real-time parent communication through their mobile app. They maintain excellent staff retention rates and strong parent satisfaction in the region.
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Bright Horizons at West Point
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at West Point provides premium early education and childcare services to military families and local community members in the Highland Falls area. The center features a research-based World at Their Fingers® curriculum that emphasizes language development, mathematics, science, and creative arts. Their highly qualified teaching staff includes educators with bachelor's and master's degrees in early childhood education. The facility offers secure environments with comprehensive safety systems, modern learning materials, and expansive outdoor learning spaces. They provide enrichment programs including music, movement, and technology integration, along with family support services and flexible care options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Highland Falls, NY
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Highland Falls, NY?
In Highland Falls and the surrounding Orange County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of care. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month for an infant. For a toddler, costs may range from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Licensed home-based daycare providers in the community often offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors such as staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that as part of the Hudson Valley region, Highland Falls does not have as many large chain centers as more urban areas, so most options are local providers. Parents should inquire about what is included in the fee (e.g., meals, diapers, enrichment activities).
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Highland Falls is properly licensed and what are New York State's key regulations?
All daycare centers and family daycare homes in New York State must be licensed or registered with the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). You can verify a provider's status and view any inspection reports by using the NYS OCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool online. Key regulations for Highland Falls providers include: for infants under 18 months, a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4; for toddlers (18-36 months), a ratio of 1:5. All staff must pass background checks and have training in topics like Safe Sleep practices for infants and Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention. Family daycare homes can care for up to 8 children, depending on their registration level. Always ask the provider for their license or registration number to cross-reference.
Are there any daycare centers or preschools in Highland Falls with a focus on early childhood education or specific curricula?
Yes, while Highland Falls is a smaller village, there are options that incorporate educational frameworks. Some local providers and nearby centers in the Fort Montgomery/Highland Falls area utilize play-based learning models aligned with New York State Early Learning Guidelines. Given the village's proximity to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, some programs may also cater to military families with structured routines. For more formal preschool curricula (like Montessori or Reggio Emilia), parents often look at centers in nearby Cornwall or Newburgh, which are a short commute away. It's recommended to visit local providers and ask specifically about their daily schedule, learning philosophy, and how they prepare children for kindergarten in the Highland Falls Central School District.
What is the waitlist situation like for daycare in Highland Falls, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Due to the limited number of dedicated daycare facilities within the village itself, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care. It is strongly advised to begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before your needed start date, and even earlier if you require care for an infant under 12 months. Many popular home-based providers and the few local centers have limited capacity, leading to waitlists that can be several months long. Expanding your search to include licensed providers in neighboring communities like Fort Montgomery, Cornwall-on-Hudson, or even parts of West Point can increase your options. Be prepared to place deposits on multiple waitlists to secure a spot.
Are there any local resources or programs in Highland Falls that help parents find and afford childcare?
Yes, there are several key resources. The Orange County Department of Social Services administers the Child Care Subsidy Program for eligible families based on income, employment, or education requirements. For assistance finding providers, the Child Care Council of Orange County is a vital resource; they offer a free referral service and can help you navigate local options in Highland Falls and the wider county. Additionally, military families stationed at West Point can access support and referral services through the Army Community Service (ACS) Family Advocacy Program. For tax assistance, remember that New York State offers a Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, and you may also utilize the federal Dependent Care FSA.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Highland Falls: