The Best Daycare Centers in Manchester, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Manchester. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Manchester
The Goddard School of Victor
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Victor offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their play-based curriculum incorporates STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms with observation windows, and dedicated playgrounds for different age groups. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the center maintains low student-teacher ratios. The school emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and a proprietary mobile app.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Pittsford
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Pittsford implements the World at Their Fingertips curriculum, which emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts through hands-on learning. The center features secure keypad entry, comprehensive health and safety protocols, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Their highly qualified staff includes teachers with bachelor's degrees and specialized early childhood training. The program focuses on social-emotional development and school readiness, with regular progress assessments and parent-teacher conferences. The facility includes outdoor learning spaces and dedicated art and music areas.
Daycare Services:
The Children's Garden Early Childhood Center
Independent
The Children's Garden offers a nature-inspired, play-based curriculum that integrates outdoor learning with traditional academic preparation. Their emergent curriculum follows children's interests while ensuring kindergarten readiness through literacy, mathematics, and social skills development. The center features secure facilities with camera monitoring, natural playgrounds with gardens, and classroom environments designed to stimulate curiosity. Staff members hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The program emphasizes whole-child development with daily outdoor exploration, creative arts, and hands-on learning experiences.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Manchester, NY
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Manchester, NY?
In Manchester, NY, full-time daycare costs vary based on the type of provider and the child's age. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $225 to $325 per week for an infant, and slightly less for toddlers, around $200 to $275 per week. Licensed home-based daycare programs often offer more affordable rates, typically ranging from $150 to $225 per week. These costs are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas like Rochester or Buffalo but are consistent with rural towns in the Finger Lakes region. It's important to note that these are base rates; additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pickups may apply. Exploring the New York State Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is recommended for eligible families to help offset these expenses.
How can I verify that a daycare provider in Manchester is properly licensed and in good standing with New York State regulations?
All licensed and registered childcare programs in Manchester must comply with New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations. To verify a provider's status, you should use the OCFS online "Child Care Provider Search" tool. This public database allows you to search by program name, location (including Ontario County), and view their license type, capacity, and any recent inspection reports or violations. You can also contact the OCFS Rochester Regional Office directly for information. Always ask the provider for their license or registration number and confirm it matches the state records. This due diligence is crucial for ensuring your child's safety and the program's adherence to state-mandated staff-to-child ratios, health, and safety standards.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Manchester, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to Manchester's smaller, community-based childcare market, availability can be limited, and waitlists are common, especially for infant care slots. It is strongly advised to begin your search during your pregnancy or at least 6 to 9 months before your needed start date. Popular local centers and highly-regarded home daycares often have waitlists that can extend for several months. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and process (e.g., if a deposit is required to hold a spot). Being flexible with your start date and considering a mix of centers and licensed family daycares in Manchester and surrounding towns like Clifton Springs or Shortsville can improve your chances of securing a spot.
What are some of the key differences between a daycare center and a licensed family daycare home in Manchester?
In Manchester, parents typically choose between licensed daycare centers and licensed family daycare homes. Centers, like those you might find in nearby Canandaigua, are often in commercial buildings, have multiple staffed classrooms, and may offer structured curricula and larger peer groups. Family daycare homes operate out of the provider's residence, offering a smaller, home-like environment with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. Centers generally have more fixed hours and may close for fewer holidays, while family homes might offer more schedule flexibility. Both are regulated by NYS OCFS, but specific rules on group size differ. Your choice will depend on your child's temperament, your need for flexibility, and the type of learning environment you prefer.
What resources are available in Manchester, NY, to help me find and evaluate local childcare options?
Manchester parents have several local resources. Your first stop should be the **Child Care Council of the Finger Lakes**, which serves Ontario County. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed and registered programs in Manchester and the region, and can provide guidance on quality indicators, financial assistance, and parenting support. You can also contact the **Manchester Community Library** or the **Manchester-Shortsville Central School District** for community bulletins or recommendations. Online, besides the OCFS database, local Facebook groups (e.g., "Manchester, NY Community") are valuable for getting parent-to-parent reviews and learning about smaller, home-based providers that may not have a large web presence. Always schedule in-person tours to ask questions and observe the environment firsthand.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Manchester: