The Best Daycare Centers in Hudson Falls, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hudson Falls. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hudson Falls
The Goddard School of Queensbury
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Queensbury offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their state-licensed teachers implement play-based learning through STEAM activities, literacy development, and character education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and employ degreed early childhood educators. The school emphasizes communication with parents through daily reports and regular updates, with comprehensive safety protocols including background-checked staff and secure facility access.
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Kiddie Academy of Queensbury
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Queensbury provides educational childcare through their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, mathematics, and social skills. The academy features purpose-built classrooms with interactive learning centers, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Their certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with emphasis on hands-on learning and individualized attention. The facility includes commercial-grade kitchen for nutritious meal preparation and maintains comprehensive health and safety protocols. They offer flexible scheduling options and maintain strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family engagement events.
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The Sunshine Academy Early Education Center
Independent
The Sunshine Academy is a locally-owned early education center serving the greater Hudson Falls area with comprehensive childcare programs. Their curriculum emphasizes whole-child development through creative arts, language development, and social-emotional learning. The center features bright, well-equipped classrooms, secure outdoor play spaces, and dedicated infant care suites with specialized staff. They maintain small class sizes with experienced early childhood educators and implement progressive learning approaches including project-based activities. The academy prioritizes safety with monitored entry systems, regular safety drills, and strict health protocols. They offer flexible scheduling and maintain strong community connections with transparent parent communication.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hudson Falls, NY
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Hudson Falls, NY?
In Hudson Falls and the surrounding Washington County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $225 and $300 per week for infant care. For toddlers, the cost may drop slightly to a range of $200 to $275 per week. Licensed home-based daycare providers often offer more competitive rates, typically ranging from $160 to $225 per week. These costs are generally lower than the state average, reflecting the area's cost of living. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and educational materials. Many providers in the area participate in the New York State Child Care Subsidy Program, which can help eligible families offset these costs.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Hudson Falls is properly licensed and check their inspection history?
All daycare centers and family daycare homes in New York State must be licensed or registered by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). To verify a provider's status and review their compliance history, you should use the official NYS OCFS Child Care Facility Search tool available online. You can search by the provider's name, location (Hudson Falls, NY 12839), or license number. This public database will show you the provider's current license status, capacity, and any violations cited during inspections over the past few years. For local context, you can also contact the OCFS Albany Regional Office, which oversees Washington County, for additional guidance. Always visit a potential daycare in person and ask to see their current license certificate, which should be posted.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Hudson Falls, and what's the best strategy to secure a spot?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at popular licensed daycare centers in Hudson Falls, often ranging from 3 to 9 months. This is due to high demand and limited capacity, especially for children under 2 years old. The best strategy is to start your search early, ideally during pregnancy or 6-12 months before you need care. Contact multiple providers—both centers and licensed home daycares—to get on their lists. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is typical in the area. Don't limit your search to Hudson Falls proper; consider providers in neighboring towns like Fort Edward, Kingsbury, or South Glens Falls to increase your options. Follow up with providers every few months to confirm your spot on the list.
What types of childcare assistance or subsidy programs are available for families in Hudson Falls?
The primary program is the New York State Child Care Subsidy Program, administered locally by the Washington County Department of Social Services (DSS). Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for needing care (work, training, etc.). You can apply through the Washington County DSS office in Fort Edward. Additionally, many local daycare providers accept payments from the federally funded Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), which helps provide nutritious meals. Some centers may also offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. For resources and referrals, parents can contact the Child Care Coordinating Council of the North Country, which serves the region including Hudson Falls.
What are some key questions to ask during a tour of a daycare center or home in Hudson Falls, specific to local considerations?
Beyond general questions about curriculum and safety, ask locally relevant questions. Inquire about their policy for snow days and delays, as Hudson Falls winters can be severe—do they follow the local school district (Hudson Falls Central School District) closures? Ask about their outdoor play schedule and if they have shaded areas, as summers can be warm. Given the area's proximity to the Hudson River and canals, ask about their water safety protocols for any field trips. It's also wise to ask about their staff turnover rate, as retaining qualified educators can be a challenge in more rural areas. Finally, ask how they communicate with parents and if they have experience helping families navigate the local Washington County subsidy application process.
Nearby Cities
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