The Best Daycare Centers in Lake Peekskill, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lake Peekskill. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lake Peekskill
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Cortlandt Manor is a premier early childhood education center serving the Lake Peekskill area with a F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. The curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, arts, and social-emotional development, with daily communication to parents through their proprietary app. The school emphasizes play-based learning while preparing children for kindergarten readiness.
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Kiddie Academy of Cortlandt Manor
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Cortlandt Manor provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development, technology, and hands-on learning. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including coded entry, camera monitoring, and strict pick-up protocols. Their degreed teachers implement age-appropriate lesson plans focusing on cognitive, physical, and social development. The facility includes dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, nutritious meal programs, and enrichment activities like music and movement. Parents appreciate the consistent communication and detailed daily reports tracking their child's progress and activities.
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Little Sprouts Early Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Early Learning Center is a family-owned childcare facility serving the Lake Peekskill community with a nurturing environment and comprehensive early childhood program. Their curriculum blends structured learning with creative exploration, focusing on developmental milestones through hands-on activities and play-based learning. The center maintains small class sizes with experienced teachers who receive ongoing professional development. Safety features include secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive health protocols. The facility offers spacious indoor classrooms and outdoor play areas, with an emphasis on creating a home-like atmosphere that supports children's emotional well-being and academic growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lake Peekskill, NY
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lake Peekskill, NY?
In Lake Peekskill and the surrounding Putnam County area, full-time daycare costs are generally in line with regional averages for the Hudson Valley. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800 per month. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. These rates are for licensed daycare centers and registered family daycares. Costs can be slightly lower for in-home providers but vary based on program structure, hours, and included amenities like meals. It's important to note that while Lake Peekskill itself is a small hamlet, many families also utilize providers in nearby towns like Peekskill, Cortlandt, and Putnam Valley, which may have similar or slightly varied pricing.
How do I verify if a daycare provider in Lake Peekskill is properly licensed and what should I look for in an inspection report?
All licensed daycare centers and registered family daycares in New York State are regulated by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). You can verify a provider's license and view their inspection history by using the "Child Care Facility Search" tool on the OCFS website. For a provider in Lake Peekskill, you would search by zip code (10537) or town. When reviewing an inspection report, look for the "Program Type" (e.g., Day Care Center, School-Age Child Care, Family Day Care), the current license status (should be "Active"), and the history of violations. Pay attention to any "Serious" or "Repeat" violations related to health, safety, or child supervision. You can also contact the OCFS regional office for the Hudson Valley for additional information.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with childcare costs for families in Lake Peekskill?
Yes, the primary program is New York's Child Care Subsidy Program, administered locally by the Putnam County Department of Social Services. Eligibility is based on family income, size, and reason for care (e.g., employment, education). Given Lake Peekskill's location within Putnam County, residents apply through the county office. Additionally, New York State offers the Employer-Sponsored Child Care Credit for businesses and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit on state income taxes. It's also worth checking with specific daycare centers, as some may offer sliding scale fees or have partnerships with local organizations. The "Child Care Resource and Referral" agency for the region (typically run by the YMCA or a similar organization) can provide personalized assistance with subsidy applications.
What is the availability and typical waitlist situation for daycare centers serving the Lake Peekskill area?
Availability in the immediate Lake Peekskill hamlet is limited due to its small, residential nature. Therefore, most families rely on providers in the broader northern Westchester and southern Putnam County region. For the most sought-after centers, especially for infant care, it is common to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. Family daycares and in-home providers may have more immediate openings but still require advance planning. Many centers with locations in nearby Peekskill or Cortlandt Manor have centralized waitlists for their facilities.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in Lake Peekskill?
For school-age children residing in Lake Peekskill who attend the Lakeland Central School District (which most do), the district itself typically offers a before and after-school program called "Lakeland Extended Day" at the elementary schools. This is a popular and convenient option. Additionally, several private daycare centers in the surrounding towns offer school-age programs that may provide transportation from district schools. The local community center or the Town of Cortlandt's Parks and Recreation Department may also offer seasonal camps and after-school activities. For care on school holidays and during summer breaks, many of these same centers and the Town of Cortlandt run full-day camp programs, which fill up quickly, so early registration is key.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Lake Peekskill: