The Best Daycare Centers in Parishville, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Parishville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Parishville
The Children's Center at SUNY Potsdam
SUNY Potsdam
The Children's Center at SUNY Potsdam is a nationally accredited early childhood program that serves as a model training facility for education students while providing high-quality care. The center follows a developmentally appropriate practice approach with emergent curriculum that responds to children's interests. Staff includes NYS-certified teachers with bachelor's and master's degrees in early childhood education. The facility features purpose-built classrooms, secure entry systems, and extensive outdoor learning environments. As a lab school, they maintain exceptional teacher-to-child ratios and incorporate the latest research in early childhood development.
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Trinity Day Care Center
Trinity Episcopal Church
Trinity Day Care Center provides nurturing Christian-based early childhood education in a secure, homelike environment. The curriculum balances structured learning with play-based activities, focusing on social-emotional development and school readiness. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, experienced early childhood educators, and comprehensive safety protocols including secured access and regular drills. Their program includes music enrichment, outdoor play in fenced playgrounds, and family-style meals promoting healthy eating habits. Strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Little Learners Creative Child Care
Independent
Little Learners Creative Child Care offers a comprehensive early childhood program with emphasis on creative arts and hands-on learning. Their curriculum incorporates Reggio Emilia-inspired approaches with STEM activities, literacy development, and social skills building. The facility features modern security systems, age-appropriate learning centers, and natural outdoor play spaces. Staff members hold early childhood credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The center is noted for its inclusive environment, flexible scheduling options, and strong emphasis on building community connections through family events and local partnerships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Parishville, NY
What types of licensed childcare options are available in Parishville, NY, and how do I verify their licensing status?
In Parishville and the surrounding St. Lawrence County area, your primary licensed childcare options are family daycare homes (caring for up to 6-8 children in a provider's residence) and daycare centers. Given Parishville's rural setting, family daycare homes are more common than large centers. To verify a provider's licensing status, you must check with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). You can use their online "Child Care Facility Search" tool or contact the OCFS regional office in Syracuse. All licensed programs must display their permit. It's also wise to ask the provider directly for their license number and any recent inspection reports.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with the cost of daycare in Parishville?
Yes, eligible families in Parishville can apply for the New York State Child Care Subsidy Program, which is administered locally by the St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services. This program helps low-income families, those in job training, or parents pursuing education pay for licensed childcare. Given the average cost of full-time care in St. Lawrence County ranging from approximately $150 to $250 per week (with family daycare often on the lower end), this subsidy can be crucial. You must apply directly through the county DSS office in Canton. Additionally, you may qualify for the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit on your income taxes.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare in Parishville, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small, rural community like Parishville, waitlists can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, especially for infant care. It is strongly recommended that you begin your search and get on waitlists as soon as you know you will need care, ideally during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months in advance. Be proactive: contact multiple licensed family daycare homes and any centers in nearby towns like Potsdam or Canton. When you join a waitlist, ask for an estimated timeline and if they require a deposit to hold your spot.
What are the key questions to ask a potential family daycare provider in Parishville during a tour or interview?
Beyond general questions about curriculum and daily routines, ask specific questions relevant to a rural home-based setting. Inquire about their emergency preparedness plan for severe North Country weather and their policy for school delays/closings impacting school-age siblings they may also care for. Ask about their outdoor play area and how they handle isolation given the smaller group. Crucially, verify their transportation plans for field trips, if any, and their backup plan if they, as a sole provider, become ill. Always request references from current or former Parishville-area parents.
Are there part-time or non-traditional hour childcare options available for parents working shift schedules in Parishville?
Finding part-time or evening/weekend care in Parishville is very challenging due to the limited provider pool. Most family daycare homes operate on a standard Monday-Friday, daytime schedule. Your best strategy is to inquire directly with licensed providers if they offer or would consider flexible hours, perhaps for an adjusted rate. Another option is to explore a nanny share with another local family, though this is a private arrangement. For parents working at local hospitals or factories in Potsdam or Massena with shift work, you may need to expand your search to those larger towns where some centers might offer more flexible schedules.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Parishville: