The Best Daycare Centers in Ontario, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ontario. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ontario
The Goddard School of Webster
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Webster offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development. Features state-certified teachers with bachelor's or master's degrees, secure keypad entry systems, live streaming cameras for parents, and age-appropriate playgrounds. The facility maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides nutritious meals. Highly regarded for its structured learning environment and comprehensive safety protocols.
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Kiddie Academy of Webster
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Webster provides Life Essentials® curriculum that combines academic learning with character development. Their program emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on activities. Features highly qualified early childhood educators, secure building access, daily communication with parents through mobile app, and modern learning environments. The center offers structured learning centers, outdoor play areas, and nutritionally balanced meals. Known for strong parent-teacher partnerships and comprehensive developmental assessments.
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The Learning Center at Allens Creek
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
The Learning Center at Allens Creek, operated by Bright Horizons, offers the World at Their Fingertips® curriculum that combines emergent curriculum with structured learning. Features highly educated teachers with early childhood credentials, secure facility with controlled access, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. The program emphasizes language development, mathematical thinking, and scientific exploration through project-based learning. Includes outdoor classrooms, nutritious meal program, and strong focus on social-emotional development. Recognized for excellent teacher retention and comprehensive safety protocols.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ontario, NY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Ontario, NY, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Ontario, NY, all childcare programs caring for more than two children for more than three hours per 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 daycare centers. Licensed programs must meet strict standards for staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, safety, health, and program curriculum. To verify a provider's status, you can use the OCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool on their official website, which allows you to search by county (Wayne County, where Ontario is located) and view inspection reports, capacity, and any enforcement history. Always ask to see their current license during a tour.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Ontario, NY, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In the Ontario/Wayne County area, full-time daycare for an infant can range from approximately $225 to $300 per week, while toddler care typically costs between $200 and $275 per week. Costs vary based on the type of facility (center-based vs. home-based), specific location, and included amenities. For financial assistance, New York State offers the Child Care Subsidy Program, administered locally by the Wayne County Department of Social Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (e.g., employment, education). Additionally, you may qualify for the New York State Child and Dependent Care Credit on your state taxes. It's recommended to contact the Wayne County DSS directly to apply.
Are daycare waitlists common in Ontario, NY, and how far in advance should I start looking for a spot?
Yes, waitlists for quality daycare, especially for infants, are quite common in Ontario and the surrounding Rochester metro area. High-demand centers and licensed home providers often have limited infant slots due to strict staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly advised to begin your search and tours at least 6 to 9 months before your needed start date, and if you are expecting, to get on waitlists during your second trimester. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$100) and to check in periodically to keep your spot active. Exploring multiple options, including both centers and licensed family daycares, can increase your chances of securing care.
What are some key factors to consider when touring a daycare center or home in Ontario, specifically related to local amenities and safety?
When touring in Ontario, consider both universal standards and local factors. First, ensure the facility is OCFS-licensed and ask about their emergency plans for local weather (like lake-effect snow) and their sick child policy. Observe cleanliness and safety features like secured exits and age-appropriate toys. Given Ontario's proximity to major roads like Route 104 and I-490, inquire about drop-off/pick-up traffic flow and outdoor play area security. Ask about their daily schedule, including outdoor time (weather permitting), and if meals are provided (must meet NYS nutritional guidelines). Finally, ask for references from current Ontario-area parents to get firsthand feedback on reliability and care quality.
What types of childcare programs are most prevalent in Ontario, NY, and what are the pros and cons of each?
Ontario offers several common childcare options. **Licensed Daycare Centers** (e.g., chains or independent centers) provide structured programs, multiple staff, and often longer hours; they can be more expensive and have longer waitlists. **Licensed Group Family Daycare** operates in a provider's home for 7-12 children, offering a homier environment with mixed ages and potentially more flexibility; capacity is smaller. **Registered Family Daycare** is in a home for 3-6 children, often the most affordable and flexible, but dependent on a single provider's schedule and availability. **School District Pre-K Programs** are available for 4-year-olds through the Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES or local districts; these are typically part-day and follow the school calendar. Your choice will depend on your child's age, your budget, schedule, and desired setting.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Ontario: