The Best Daycare Centers in Hollis, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hollis. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hollis
Kiddie Academy of Queens Village
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Queens Village provides comprehensive educational childcare with a structured curriculum called Life Essentials® that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features secure access systems, certified teachers with early childhood education backgrounds, age-appropriate learning environments, and nutritious meal programs. Their approach emphasizes hands-on learning through play and structured activities, with regular progress reports and parent communication. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups, and they maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios.
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The Learning Experience - Queens
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Fresh Meadows offers a proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, foreign language, manners, and physical fitness. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including coded entry, CCTV monitoring, and strict pick-up protocols. Their highly qualified staff includes certified early childhood educators who receive ongoing training. The facility includes colorful, engaging classrooms, indoor gymnasium, and outdoor playgrounds. They emphasize character development through their philanthropy-based curriculum and provide regular parent updates through their mobile app.
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Bright Horizons at Queens College
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Queens College provides NAEYC-accredited early education with a World at Their Fingers® curriculum that emphasizes emergent, project-based learning. The center features highly educated teachers, many with advanced degrees in early childhood education, and maintains excellent staff retention rates. Their approach focuses on developing critical thinking skills through hands-on exploration and discovery. The facility includes dedicated art studios, literacy-rich environments, and natural outdoor play spaces. They prioritize health and safety with comprehensive protocols, nutritious meals, and strong parent partnerships through regular conferences and digital communication.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hollis, NY
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool for a toddler in Hollis, NY?
In Hollis, NY, full-time daycare for a toddler typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,800 per month. This cost can vary based on the type of facility (e.g., home-based daycare vs. a center), the age of the child, and the specific programs offered. Preschool programs for 3-5 year-olds often fall within a similar range. It's important to note that Queens County, where Hollis is located, is one of the more expensive areas in New York for childcare. Many centers require an annual registration fee ($75-$200) in addition to monthly tuition. We recommend contacting providers directly for the most current rates and inquiring about any available sibling discounts or financial assistance programs.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Hollis is properly licensed and check their inspection history?
All licensed daycare providers in New York State are regulated by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). To verify a provider's license and view their full inspection history, you can use the OCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool available on their official website. You can search by the provider's name, address, or license number. This report will show their license status, capacity, any violations cited during inspections, and how those violations were corrected. For home-based programs (Family Day Care and Group Family Day Care), which are common in residential areas like Hollis, this public record is essential for ensuring they meet state health, safety, and staff qualification standards.
Are there any local resources or programs in Hollis to help parents find and afford quality childcare?
Yes, there are several key local resources. First, the New York City Administration for Children's Services (ACS) funds several "EarlyLearn NYC" centers and family childcare networks that provide subsidized, high-quality care for income-eligible families in Queens. You can apply through the NYC ACCESS HRA website or by calling 311. Additionally, the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for NYC, run by organizations like the Committee for Early Childhood Development (CECD), offers free referrals to licensed providers in Hollis and guidance on navigating subsidies. For all families, regardless of income, New York State offers a Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, and some Hollis providers may participate in payment assistance programs.
What is the waitlist situation like for daycare centers and popular preschools in Hollis, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited slots, waitlists for reputable daycare centers and preschools in Hollis can be lengthy, often 6 to 12 months or more. For infant care, the wait is typically the longest. It is strongly advised to begin your search and tour facilities during your pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before your desired start date. Many preschools for 3-year-olds have application deadlines in the winter (January-February) for a September start. When contacting providers, always ask about their specific waitlist process: if there's a fee to join, how often they update parents, and if they offer guaranteed placement for siblings of current students.
What are some of the key differences between a home-based family daycare and a childcare center in Hollis that I should consider?
Choosing between a family daycare (in a provider's home) and a center in Hollis involves several factors. **Family Daycares** (licensed for up to 8 children) often offer a more home-like, flexible environment with mixed-age groups, potentially lower costs, and may be more accommodating with non-standard hours. They are common in Hollis neighborhoods. **Childcare Centers** are typically larger, operate in commercial spaces, have structured curricula, multiple staff with specialized roles, and may offer more amenities (e.g., dedicated playgrounds, kitchens). Centers must follow strict staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants) and often have more robust backup for staff absences. Consider your child's temperament, your schedule, and your preference for a structured educational approach versus a familial setting when making this local choice. Always ensure either option is OCFS-licensed.
Nearby Cities
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