The Best Daycare Centers in Loch Sheldrake, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Loch Sheldrake. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Loch Sheldrake
Sullivan County Head Start - Loch Sheldrake Center
Sullivan County Head Start
Sullivan County Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education and family support services with a focus on school readiness. The program employs certified early childhood educators and follows a research-based curriculum that addresses all developmental domains. Services include health screenings, nutritious meals, family engagement activities, and special needs support. The center maintains low student-teacher ratios and offers both full-day and part-day programs for income-eligible families.
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Kiddie Academy of Monticello
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Monticello provides educational childcare with a comprehensive Life Essentials curriculum that promotes social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development. The facility features secure access systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing professional development. The academy emphasizes character education, STEM learning, and literacy development while maintaining strong parent communication through daily reports and digital updates.
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The Learning Center at Fallsburg
The Learning Center
The Learning Center at Fallsburg offers a nurturing environment with a play-based educational approach that incorporates Creative Curriculum elements. The center features developmentally appropriate learning centers, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and qualified teaching staff with early childhood credentials. Programs include music and movement, arts integration, and outdoor learning experiences. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks while maintaining strong partnerships with families through regular conferences and communication.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Loch Sheldrake, NY
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Loch Sheldrake, NY?
In Loch Sheldrake and the surrounding Sullivan County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $225 to $350 per week for an infant or toddler. Home-based family daycare programs are often slightly more affordable, ranging from $180 to $280 per week. These rates are generally lower than those in major metropolitan areas downstate but have been increasing. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Additionally, New York State's Child Care Assistance Program can help eligible families in Sullivan County offset these costs.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Loch Sheldrake is properly licensed and check their inspection history?
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 full inspection history, including any violations, through the public-facing NYS OCFS Child Care Facility Search website. Simply enter "Loch Sheldrake" or the provider's name. It's crucial to review this for any health, safety, or program violations. You can also contact the OCFS Regional Office for the Hudson Valley Region for additional information. Always confirm the provider's license is current and in good standing before enrolling your child.
Are there any daycare centers or preschools in Loch Sheldrake that offer year-round care for school-age children, especially during summer and school holidays?
Yes, several providers in the Loch Sheldrake area offer school-age childcare programs. Given the presence of SUNY Sullivan and the seasonal nature of some local tourism, certain centers design programs to accommodate working parents year-round. These programs typically operate from early morning until early evening and provide care on school holidays, snow days, and throughout the summer with enriched activities, field trips, and homework help. Popular local options may include centers affiliated with community organizations. Due to limited slots, especially for summer camp-style programs, it is highly recommended to inquire and register several months in advance, often by early spring for summer care.
What is the average waitlist time for infant daycare spots in Loch Sheldrake, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited infant slots (which require a lower staff-to-child ratio), waitlists for infant care in Loch Sheldrake can be significant. It is common for parents to be placed on a waitlist for 6 to 12 months. We strongly recommend beginning your search and putting your name on lists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy, if possible. Many local family daycare homes may have shorter or more flexible wait times, so consider expanding your search to include registered home-based providers in the 12759 zip code and nearby towns like Fallsburg or Liberty.
What local resources or referral services are available in Sullivan County to help parents find and choose childcare in Loch Sheldrake?
The primary local resource is the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for the region, which is administered by the Early Childhood Direction Center at Sullivan 180 (formerly known as Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County). They maintain a current database of all licensed and registered providers in Sullivan County, including Loch Sheldrake. Their specialists can provide free, personalized referrals based on your needs (hours, age of child, budget) and offer guidance on quality indicators, subsidy applications, and parenting support. Contacting Sullivan 180 should be one of your first steps in the search process.
Nearby Cities
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