The Best Daycare Centers in Old Westbury, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Old Westbury. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Old Westbury
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Plainview serves Old Westbury families with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their state-licensed teachers implement play-based learning with STEAM curriculum, language arts, and character development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play spaces. What sets this center apart is their low student-teacher ratios, daily communication with parents through the proprietary mobile app, and focus on developing critical thinking skills through hands-on exploration and project-based learning.
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The Learning Experience - Westbury
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Westbury provides a structured curriculum called L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) that incorporates phonics, mathematics, and social skills development. Their proprietary programs include philanthropy curriculum and manners program. The center features bright, modern classrooms, secure facilities with coded entry, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. They stand out for their highly qualified teaching staff with ongoing professional development, nutritious meal program, and comprehensive safety protocols including regular drills and monitoring systems.
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The Learning Experience - Roslyn
The Learning Experience
Serving Old Westbury families, The Learning Experience in Roslyn offers a research-based curriculum focused on early literacy, mathematics, and social development. Their unique programs include yoga instruction, music enrichment, and foreign language exposure. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios with degreed early childhood educators. Facilities include dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, age-appropriate learning centers, and secure outdoor play spaces. They distinguish themselves through their comprehensive parent communication system, regular developmental assessments, and focus on preparing children for kindergarten success through structured academic and social experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Old Westbury, NY
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Old Westbury, NY, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Old Westbury and the surrounding North Shore area of Long Island, full-time daycare or preschool for infants and toddlers typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,800 per month. For preschool-age children (3-5 years), costs are generally between $1,200 and $2,000 monthly. These rates reflect the high cost of living in Nassau County and the prevalence of programs with low child-to-staff ratios and enriched curricula. For financial assistance, New York State's Child Care Subsidy Program is available for eligible families through the Nassau County Department of Social Services. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth inquiring about dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs) through your employer, which use pre-tax dollars.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Old Westbury, and when should I start my search?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Old Westbury can be significant, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, and sometimes even longer for centers affiliated with local institutions or with exceptional reputations. Parents are strongly advised to begin their search and schedule tours during the second trimester of pregnancy for infant care. For preschool enrollment (typically starting at age 2 or 3), initiating the process 12-18 months before your desired start date is prudent. Many programs in the area have annual enrollment cycles with application deadlines in the winter for a September start.
What specific licensing and safety regulations should I verify for a childcare provider in New York State, and how can I check a center's record?
All licensed daycare centers in Old Westbury must comply with New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations. Key standards include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants under 18 months), comprehensive background checks for all employees, mandatory immunizations for children and staff, and regular facility inspections for health, safety, and fire codes. You can and should verify a provider's license and review their full inspection history, including any violations, through the NYS OCFS "Child Care Facility Search" website. This public database is an essential tool for parents to make an informed choice.
Are there unique educational or enrichment programs commonly offered by daycare centers in the Old Westbury area that reflect the community's character?
Yes, many childcare centers in Old Westbury and neighboring communities like Brookville and Glen Head offer programs that align with the area's affluent, education-focused environment. It is common to find centers with robust enrichment curricula that may include foreign language immersion (often Spanish or Mandarin), STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) activities tailored for young learners, music and movement classes, and outdoor/nature-based education. Given the proximity to prestigious institutions, some programs may also emphasize early literacy and kindergarten preparedness with a structured yet play-based approach. Tours are the best way to see these programs in action.
What are the main options for childcare in Old Westbury besides traditional daycare centers?
Beyond licensed daycare centers, parents in Old Westbury have several alternatives. These include: 1. **Family Daycare Homes:** Licensed providers caring for small groups of children in a residential setting, often offering a more home-like environment and flexible hours. 2. **Nannies or Au Pairs:** A popular option in this area, providing in-home, personalized care. Local agencies can assist with vetting and placement. 3. **Part-Time Preschools or Nursery Schools:** Many churches, synagogues, and community organizations offer half-day programs for children aged 2.5 to 5 years. 4. **Employer-Sponsored Care:** Some parents working at nearby corporate campuses or institutions like NYIT or SUNY Old Westbury may have access to affiliated or recommended childcare resources. The best choice depends on your child's needs, your schedule, and your budget.
Childcare Insights for Old Westbury
Finding the right daycare is one of the most significant decisions a parent can make, blending practical logistics with the deep desire to see your child thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. For families in Old Westbury, New York, this search comes with its own unique considerations, shaped by the community's character and local resources. The phrase "daycare around me" is more than just a search query; it's the beginning of a journey to find a place where your child can grow, learn, and feel at home while you're at work.
Old Westbury offers a blend of serene, residential landscapes and proximity to broader Nassau County amenities, which influences the childcare landscape. Many local options include licensed home-based daycares, which can provide a smaller, family-like setting, as well as more structured childcare centers in nearby towns like Westbury, Jericho, or Glen Cove. A key first step is to define your priorities: are you looking for a program with a specific educational philosophy, such as Montessori or play-based learning, or is convenience and a shorter commute from your Old Westbury home your top concern? Given the area's layout, factoring in travel time along routes like the Long Island Expressway or Northern State Parkway during drop-off and pick-up is a practical necessity.
We recommend starting your search with trusted local networks. Connect with other parents at Old Westbury's community spaces, like the park at Old Westbury Gardens or local library events, for personal recommendations. Online platforms and review sites are helpful, but word-of-mouth insights from neighbors who understand the specific dynamics of our area are invaluable. Once you have a list of potential places, scheduling in-person visits is non-negotiable. This allows you to observe the environment firsthand. Pay attention to the cleanliness and safety of the facility, the ratio of caregivers to children, and most importantly, the warmth and engagement of the staff. Notice if the children seem happily occupied and if the daily schedule includes a good balance of structured activities, free play, and outdoor time, which is so beneficial in our beautiful suburban setting.
Don't forget to inquire about specifics that matter for Old Westbury families. Ask about their policies for early closures due to inclement weather, as Long Island winters can be unpredictable. Discuss their approach to communication; a daycare that uses a digital app for daily updates and photos can provide great peace of mind. Finally, trust your instincts. The right daycare in Old Westbury will feel like a partnership. You should feel confident that the caregivers respect your parenting values and are genuinely invested in your child's well-being. Taking the time to research and visit options thoroughly will help you find not just childcare, but a supportive extension of your family within our community.
Nearby Cities
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