The Best Daycare Centers in Middle Falls, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Middle Falls. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Middle Falls
The Goddard School of Queensbury
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Queensbury offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. Certified teachers implement play-based learning with STEAM curriculum elements, and the school maintains low student-teacher ratios. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through an app, and comprehensive safety protocols. The school serves families throughout the greater Glens Falls area, including Middle Falls.
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Kiddie Academy of Clifton Park
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Clifton Park provides educational childcare through their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and STEM learning. The academy features secure facilities with coded entry systems, indoor gymnasium, and age-segregated playgrounds. All lead teachers have early childhood education credentials, and the center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. Their program includes technology integration, foreign language exposure, and regular developmental assessments. The academy serves families from surrounding communities including Middle Falls, with transportation options available for school-age children.
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The Learning Center at Glens Falls
Independent
The Learning Center at Glens Falls is a locally-owned childcare center known for its nurturing environment and comprehensive early education programs. They implement Creative Curriculum with project-based learning approaches and focus on social-emotional development. The facility includes secure classrooms, multiple outdoor play areas, and dedicated spaces for different age groups. Staff members receive ongoing professional development and many hold advanced degrees in early childhood education. The center emphasizes community involvement, organic meal options, and flexible scheduling to accommodate working families from Middle Falls and the broader Glens Falls region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Middle Falls, NY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Middle Falls, NY, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Middle Falls, New York, all childcare programs caring for more than two children for more than three hours a day must be licensed or registered with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). This includes family daycares (in a home) and group family daycares or childcare centers. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for health, safety, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR/First Aid), child-to-staff ratios, and facility safety. To verify a provider's status, you can use the OCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool online or contact the OCFS regional office for the Capital District, which oversees the Middle Falls area. Always ask to see their current license during your tour.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Middle Falls, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Middle Falls area, full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, depending on the type of facility (center-based vs. home-based) and the specific programs offered. Costs for toddlers and preschoolers are generally slightly lower. For financial assistance, New York State offers the Child Care Subsidy Program for eligible families, administered locally through the Saratoga County Department of Social Services. Additionally, you may inquire with individual daycare centers about possible sliding scale fees or scholarships. The "Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) Agency" for the region, which is Brightside Up (serving the Capital Region including Saratoga County), can provide personalized referrals and information on subsidy eligibility.
How long are typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Middle Falls, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists for well-regarded daycare centers in and around Middle Falls can be significant. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer for infant rooms. We strongly recommend starting your search and getting on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. When contacting centers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, their process (e.g., if a deposit is required to hold a spot), and how often they update families on their position.
What are some of the key differences between a licensed home daycare and a childcare center in Middle Falls?
The main differences lie in setting, scale, and structure. Licensed Family or Group Family Daycares operate out of a provider's home in Middle Falls. They often offer a smaller, more intimate, home-like environment with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. They may have more flexible hours but are dependent on the provider's availability. Childcare Centers are commercial facilities with multiple classrooms divided by age. They typically have a larger staff, a more structured educational curriculum, and may offer more amenities (like larger playgrounds or dedicated kitchens). Centers often have more robust backup coverage if a teacher is absent. Both are regulated by NYS OCFS, but ratios and group sizes differ.
Are there any unique seasonal or local factors in Middle Falls that affect childcare availability or planning?
Yes, two key local factors are tourism and school schedules. Middle Falls is in Saratoga County, where the summer season (particularly the Saratoga Race Course season from July to early September) brings an influx of seasonal workers and visitors. This can sometimes create temporary, increased demand for drop-in or flexible childcare. Conversely, many preschool and school-age programs align closely with the local school district calendars (like the Schuylerville Central School District). This means many summer camps and programs fill quickly, and full-year daycare slots for school-age children can be limited during school breaks. Planning for summer and holiday care well in advance is crucial. Additionally, winter weather can occasionally cause delayed openings or closures, so it's important to understand a provider's inclement weather policy.
Nearby Cities
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