The Best Daycare Centers in Manlius, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Manlius. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Manlius
Bright Horizons at Crouse Hospital
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Crouse Hospital is a nationally accredited childcare center that serves families throughout the Syracuse metropolitan area, including Manlius. The center follows the World at Their Fingers curriculum, which emphasizes language, literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, and technology. All lead teachers hold bachelor's degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility features age-appropriate learning environments, secure entry systems, and comprehensive health and safety protocols. Parents consistently praise the qualified staff, engaging curriculum, and excellent communication.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Center
The Learning Center
Located just minutes from Manlius in Fayetteville, The Learning Center has earned exceptional ratings for its comprehensive early childhood programs. The center uses a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation, focusing on social-emotional development and kindergarten readiness. Certified teachers implement Creative Curriculum with hands-on learning centers, and the facility includes secure outdoor playgrounds, modern classrooms, and dedicated infant rooms. The center is known for its experienced staff, many of whom have been with the program for over a decade, and maintains excellent parent satisfaction through regular communication and family involvement opportunities.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Fayetteville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Fayetteville serves families throughout eastern Onondaga County, including Manlius residents. This nationally recognized franchise implements F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), which balances academic learning with creative play and social development. The school features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure keypad entry systems, and modern facilities with age-appropriate learning materials. The curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and character education. Parents consistently highlight the professional staff, clean and safe environment, and comprehensive developmental progress reports provided throughout the year.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Manlius, NY
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Manlius, NY?
In Manlius and the surrounding eastern suburbs of Syracuse, full-time daycare costs are moderately high, reflecting the area's quality of life and demand. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month at a licensed center. For a toddler (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Home-based daycare (licensed family daycare) often offers a slightly lower rate, ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. These costs are generally in line with Onondaga County averages. It's important to ask what is included in tuition, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and curriculum materials. Some centers may also have annual registration or supply fees.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Manlius, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Manlius can be significant, especially for infant rooms which have strict staff-to-child ratios. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. For a summer or fall start, many parents put their child on waitlists during their pregnancy or immediately after birth. For toddler and preschool openings, seeking placement 4-6 months in advance is advisable. We recommend contacting centers directly to inquire about their specific waitlist process, any associated fees (which are typically non-refundable), and how often they update families on their position. Exploring multiple options, including licensed family daycares in neighborhoods like Eagle Hill or Pompey Center, can provide more immediate availability.
What are the key New York State licensing requirements I should verify when choosing a daycare in Manlius?
All legal childcare providers in Manlius must be licensed or registered with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). Key requirements you should verify include: **Staff-to-Child Ratios** (e.g., 1:4 for infants under 18 months, 1:5 for toddlers), **background checks** for all employees, **health and safety training** including CPR/First Aid, and **annual facility inspections**. You can and should ask any provider for their license number and view their most recent inspection reports, which are public record and often available online through the OCFS website. Additionally, look for providers that exceed minimum standards, such as those with accreditation from organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Are there any unique local programs or resources for finding and vetting childcare in the Manlius area?
Yes, the primary local resource is the **Child Care Solutions**, which is the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) agency for Onondaga County. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed and registered programs in Manlius and the greater Syracuse area. Their specialists can help match your family's needs with provider vacancies and guide you through the vetting process. Additionally, the **Manlius Library** often hosts community events and bulletin boards where local family daycare providers may advertise. For school-age care, the **Fayetteville-Manlius School District** partners with specific before-and-after-school programs, information for which is available through the district's community education office.
What options exist for backup or emergency childcare in Manlius if my regular provider is unavailable?
Options for backup care in Manlius are limited but available. Some full-service daycare centers in the area may offer occasional "drop-in" care for enrolled families or, rarely, to the community, subject to space and advance reservation. A more reliable option is to utilize **licensed family daycare homes**, which due to their smaller size may have more flexibility for short-term arrangements. For true emergencies, parents often rely on local networks, such as neighborhood parenting groups on social media (e.g., Facebook groups like "Manlius Area Moms") to find recommended babysitters or nanny shares. There are also regional services like **Care.com** where you can find vetted sitters in the 13104 zip code. Planning ahead by identifying one or two backup sitters is highly recommended for working parents in the area.