The Best Daycare Centers in Lakemont, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lakemont. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lakemont
The Goddard School of Ithaca
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Ithaca offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development with highly qualified teachers who hold degrees in early childhood education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. What sets them apart is their comprehensive approach including yoga, music, and Spanish language exposure, along with strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Primrose School of Ithaca
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Ithaca follows the Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their research-based curriculum includes character development, literacy, math, and science programs with dedicated learning centers in each classroom. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and employs degreed early childhood educators. Safety features include secure keypad entry, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. Their standout features include the Harmony & Heart® music program and exclusive partnerships with leading children's hospitals for health and wellness programming.
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Small World Playschool
Independent
Small World Playschool offers a nurturing, play-based environment with a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach that encourages child-led exploration and discovery. Their curriculum emphasizes social development, creative expression, and hands-on learning through natural materials and outdoor experiences. The center features experienced teachers with low turnover rates and small class sizes that allow for individualized attention. The facility includes spacious indoor play areas and extensive outdoor natural playgrounds. What makes them exceptional is their focus on community building, organic meal options, and their commitment to creating a home-like atmosphere while maintaining high educational standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lakemont, NY
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Lakemont, NY, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Lakemont, NY, the cost for full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, while toddler and preschool programs may cost between $1,000 and $1,400 monthly. Home-based family daycare is often slightly less expensive. These costs are influenced by factors like program type, staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities. For financial assistance, New York State's Child Care Subsidy Program is available for eligible families through the Chemung County Department of Social Services, which serves the Lakemont area. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's highly recommended to inquire directly with daycare centers and check with the Chemung County Child Care Council for the most current resource information.
How long are daycare waitlists typically in Lakemont, and when should I start looking for an infant spot?
Due to high demand and limited infant care slots (driven by New York's strict 4:1 staff-to-infant ratio), waitlists in Lakemont can be significant. For popular centers or highly-rated home-based providers, families often report waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for infant care. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool spots, starting your search 4-6 months in advance is a good rule of thumb. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, get on multiple lists, and follow up periodically to express continued interest.
What are the key differences between a licensed group family daycare and a daycare center in Lakemont?
In Lakemont, as regulated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), a licensed **Day Care Center** operates in a non-residential setting, can serve larger groups of children, and must have a director with specific educational credentials. A licensed **Group Family Day Care** operates in a provider's home, can care for up to 12 children (with assistants), and often offers a more home-like environment with mixed-age groups. Centers may have more structured curricula and larger facilities, while group family homes can offer more flexibility and potentially lower ratios for smaller groups. Both are subject to rigorous health, safety, and training inspections. You can verify the license and inspection history of any provider on the OCFS website.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available in the Lakemont area?
Yes, leveraging the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes region, Lakemont and the surrounding Chemung County area have seen growth in nature-focused childcare. Some local home-based providers and smaller centers emphasize daily outdoor play and exploration, regardless of weather, in line with "forest school" philosophies. While a dedicated, fully-licensed nature preschool is less common directly in Lakemont, several programs within a 20-30 minute drive incorporate extensive garden projects, animal care, and hikes. When touring providers, ask specifically about their daily outdoor time policy, access to natural play spaces, and their approach to weather-appropriate gear. The local parenting networks and the Chemung County Child Care Council can be good resources to identify these specific programs.
What should I look for during a daycare tour in Lakemont, and what are some local red flags?
During a tour, observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment (covered outlets, secure gates, clean toys), the interaction between staff and children (are they engaged and responsive?), and the overall mood of the classroom. Ask about staff qualifications, turnover rates, daily schedules, and emergency procedures. Specifically for Lakemont, **local red flags** include: a provider who cannot immediately show you their valid NYS OCFS license; an unwillingness to provide references from other Lakemont families; a lack of a clear plan for outdoor play given our seasonal weather; or a policy that seems to contradict NYS regulations (e.g., inappropriate child-to-staff ratios). Always verify the provider's license status and inspection reports online through the state database as a final step.