The Best Daycare Centers in Hubbardsville, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hubbardsville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hubbardsville
The Children's Center at Hamilton
Colgate University
The Children's Center at Hamilton, affiliated with Colgate University, provides exceptional early childhood education with a research-based curriculum. The center features NAEYC-accredited programs with highly qualified early childhood educators holding advanced degrees. Their developmentally appropriate curriculum emphasizes social-emotional learning, literacy development, and STEM exploration. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments and expansive outdoor play areas. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and implement comprehensive safety protocols including secure entry systems and regular health screenings. The center serves both university affiliates and community families, offering flexible scheduling options.
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Community Day Care Center of Morrisville
Community Action Partnership
Community Day Care Center of Morrisville offers comprehensive early childhood programs through the Community Action Partnership. Their curriculum focuses on school readiness with emphasis on literacy, mathematics, and social skills development. The center employs NYS-certified early childhood teachers and maintains small class sizes with optimal teacher-to-child ratios. They provide nutritious meals through the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program and feature updated security systems including coded entry and surveillance. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds and modern learning centers. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular communication and family events.
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Tiny Tots Early Childhood Center
Independent
Tiny Tots Early Childhood Center provides personalized early childhood education in a nurturing home-like environment. Their curriculum combines play-based learning with structured academic preparation, focusing on individual developmental milestones. The center features experienced early childhood professionals with ongoing training in current best practices. Safety measures include secure facility access, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness protocols. The facility offers separate age-appropriate classrooms, indoor gross motor space, and fenced outdoor play areas. They emphasize family partnerships and provide daily communication about children's activities and progress.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hubbardsville, NY
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Hubbardsville, NY, and how do I verify a provider's license?
In Hubbardsville, NY, parents typically have access to three main types of licensed childcare: licensed family daycare homes (caring for up to 6-8 children in a residence), group family daycare homes (caring for 7-12 children with an assistant), and daycare centers. Given Hubbardsville's rural setting in Madison County, family daycare homes are a common and popular option. To verify a provider's license, you must use the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) online "Child Care Facility Search" tool. You can search by the provider's name, location, or license number. This will show you their current license status, any capacity limits, and the results of recent inspections, including any violations. It's a critical first step before enrolling your child.
How far in advance should I start looking for and applying to daycare centers or homes in Hubbardsville, and are waitlists common?
Due to the limited number of providers in a smaller community like Hubbardsville, it is highly recommended to start your search at least 6-9 months before you need care, especially for infant spots which are the most scarce. For popular providers or if you need care by a specific date (like a return to work), starting a year in advance is not unreasonable. Waitlists are very common, particularly for licensed family daycare homes, which have strict capacity limits. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and if they charge a fee to be placed on it. Being flexible with your start date can significantly improve your chances of securing a spot.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Hubbardsville, and are there any local or state assistance programs to help with expenses?
While costs can vary, the average for full-time care in the Hubbardsville/Madison County area ranges from approximately $150 to $225 per week for a family daycare home, and $200 to $300+ per week for a center-based program. Infant care is typically at the higher end of these ranges. To help with expenses, New York State offers the Child Care Subsidy Program, administered locally by the Madison County Department of Social Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, training, etc.). Additionally, you may be eligible for the New York State Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit or the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit on your income taxes. Contacting the Madison County DSS is the best first step to explore assistance.
What are some local resources for finding and evaluating childcare providers in and around Hubbardsville?
A key local resource is the **Child Care Council of the Southern Tier**, which serves several counties including Madison. They offer a free referral service to help parents find licensed and registered providers that match their specific needs (location, hours, age of child). They can be contacted via their website or phone. For a more community-focused approach, consider asking for recommendations in local Facebook groups (e.g., "Hubbardsville Community" or "Madison County Moms") or at the Hubbardsville Free Library. Your pediatrician's office in nearby Hamilton or Morrisville may also have trusted referrals. Always follow up any referral with your own research using the OCFS license verification tool.
Are there any unique considerations for childcare in Hubbardsville's more rural setting that I should ask providers about?
Yes, Hubbardsville's rural character introduces specific considerations. First, inquire about their **transportation and field trip policies**. Some providers may take children on outings to local parks or farms; ensure you are comfortable with their vehicle safety and supervision plans. Second, ask about their **emergency preparedness plan**, especially for severe winter weather that can impact road access and power. A good provider will have a clear plan for communication, closures, and alternative heating/power. Finally, discuss their **outdoor play space and philosophy**. Many rural providers have large, natural yards—ask about safety fencing, supervision during outdoor time, and their approach to nature-based play, which can be a wonderful benefit of childcare in this area.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Hubbardsville: