The Best Daycare Centers in Lakewood, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lakewood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lakewood
The Learning Center
The Learning Center
The Learning Center in Lakewood provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness. Their state-licensed facility features qualified early childhood educators with low student-to-teacher ratios, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. The center offers structured daily schedules including literacy activities, STEM exploration, creative arts, and outdoor play in their fenced playground. They maintain strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, with nutritious meals and snacks included in their program.
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YWCA of Jamestown Childcare Center
YWCA of Jamestown
Located just minutes from Lakewood in downtown Jamestown, the YWCA Childcare Center offers NAEYC-inspired curriculum with focus on whole-child development. Their certified early childhood teachers implement Creative Curriculum with emphasis on literacy, mathematics, and social skills. The facility features secure access, modern classrooms, and dedicated outdoor play spaces. The center provides inclusive programming with diverse cultural exposure and strong community partnerships. They offer flexible scheduling and financial assistance options, serving as a trusted childcare provider in the Chautauqua County region.
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Gateway Child Care Center
Gateway Center
Gateway Child Care Center serves the Lakewood area from their Jamestown location with a comprehensive early education program built on developmentally appropriate practices. Their curriculum integrates Montessori principles with traditional preschool preparation, focusing on independence, critical thinking, and kindergarten readiness. The center features experienced teaching staff with ongoing professional development, secure facility with surveillance systems, and structured learning environments. They emphasize hands-on learning experiences, character development, and family engagement through regular events and communication portals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lakewood, NY
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lakewood, NY?
In Lakewood, NY, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $220 and $300 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home family daycare providers often charge slightly less, typically ranging from $180 to $250 per week. These rates are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas of New York State but have been increasing. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee (e.g., meals, snacks, curriculum materials). Additionally, New York State offers the Child Care Subsidy Program for eligible families, which can substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs. You can apply through the Chautauqua County Department of Social Services.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Lakewood 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 in Lakewood, you can use the NYS OCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool available online. This public database allows you to search by provider name, location, or type and will show their current license status, capacity, and any recent inspection reports. You can also contact the OCFS Buffalo Regional Office, which oversees Chautauqua County, for assistance. We strongly recommend reviewing the inspection reports, which detail any violations and the provider's corrective actions, as part of your vetting process.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours or weekend care available in the Lakewood area for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Finding extended-hour or weekend care in Lakewood can be challenging, as most traditional daycare centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best bet is to inquire directly with individual centers, as some may offer limited early drop-off or late pick-up for an additional fee. For consistent evening, overnight, or weekend care, you will likely need to seek a licensed family daycare home where the provider may offer more flexible hours to meet community needs. Networking through local parent groups on social media or contacting the Chautauqua County Child Care Resource and Referral agency can help you identify providers who accommodate shift workers common to the local manufacturing and healthcare industries.
What is the current waitlist situation for infant daycare spots in Lakewood, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to high demand and strict infant-to-staff ratios, waitlists for infant care (children under 18 months) in Lakewood are common and can be lengthy. It is not unusual for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. We recommend beginning your search and putting your name on lists as soon as you know you are expecting, ideally during the first or second trimester. When contacting providers, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, if there's a fee to be on the list, how often they update families, and if they offer priority to siblings of current enrollees. Also consider expanding your search to include licensed family daycare providers in surrounding areas like Jamestown or Busti, as they may have more immediate openings.
What local resources or programs in Lakewood can help me find and evaluate quality childcare?
The primary local resource for childcare search and referral is the **Chautauqua County Child Care Council**. They offer a free, personalized referral service to help parents find licensed and registered programs that match their needs for location, schedule, and child's age. They can also provide guidance on evaluating quality, understanding state regulations, and accessing financial assistance programs. Additionally, you can use the New York State "QualitystarsNY" program rating system—similar to a star rating for hotels—to identify programs that have voluntarily participated in an assessment for quality improvement. Many local libraries and pediatrician offices in Lakewood also have resource lists for parents.