The Best Daycare Centers in Phillipsport, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Phillipsport. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Phillipsport
The Learning Experience - Middletown
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Middletown offers a comprehensive early childhood education program serving families throughout Sullivan and Orange Counties, including Phillipsport residents. Their proprietary L.E.A.P. Curriculum® focuses on academic, physical, and social development through interactive learning. Features include state-of-the-art security systems, certified early childhood educators, low student-teacher ratios, and enrichment programs including phonics, manners, and foreign language. The center maintains excellent state licensing compliance and offers flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Kiddie Academy of Middletown
Kiddie Academy
Kiddie Academy of Middletown (Goshen location) serves the broader Sullivan County area with their Life Essentials® curriculum that balances education and character development. The academy features highly qualified staff with early childhood education degrees, secure entry systems, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Their program emphasizes STEM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills. The facility includes modern classrooms, outdoor play areas, and nutritional meal programs. Parents consistently praise the attentive staff and comprehensive communication about child development progress.
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Mamakating Preschool & Childcare Center
Independent
Located just minutes from Phillipsport in Bloomingburg, Mamakating Preschool & Childcare Center has served Sullivan County families for over 15 years with a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum. The center features experienced early childhood educators, small class sizes, and a nurturing environment that emphasizes social development and school readiness. Their program includes structured learning activities, creative arts, outdoor play on their spacious grounds, and age-appropriate academic preparation. The center maintains excellent safety records and offers flexible scheduling to accommodate various family needs in the rural Sullivan County area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Phillipsport, NY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Phillipsport, NY, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Phillipsport, as part of New York State, all childcare programs caring for three or more children 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 center-based programs. Licensed programs must meet strict standards for staff qualifications, health and safety, child-to-staff ratios, and facility requirements. To verify a provider's compliance and view any inspection history, you can use the OCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool online. You can also contact the OCFS regional office for Sullivan County for additional information. Always ask any provider you visit for their license number and look for it posted visibly at the facility.
Are there any subsidized childcare or financial assistance programs available for families in Phillipsport?
Yes, eligible families in Phillipsport can apply for childcare subsidies through the Sullivan County Department of Family Services. The primary program is the Child Care Subsidy Program, which helps low-income working families, those in approved training, or families receiving protective services pay for licensed or registered childcare. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and the reason for care. Additionally, you may qualify for the New York State Child and Dependent Care Credit on your state taxes. It's recommended to contact the Sullivan County DSS directly to begin an application and determine your specific eligibility, as funding can be limited and waitlists may exist.
Given Phillipsport's rural setting, what are my main options for childcare, and are waitlists common?
In Phillipsport and the surrounding Sullivan County area, your main options typically include licensed family daycare homes (operated in a provider's residence) and smaller childcare centers. Larger, corporate chain centers are less common here than in urban areas. Due to the limited number of providers, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care, which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It's advisable to begin your search at least 6-9 months before you need care. Networking with other local parents through community groups or platforms like Facebook ("Sullivan County Moms") can provide leads on upcoming openings or recommended home-based providers who may not advertise widely.
What is the average cost of full-time infant and toddler daycare in Phillipsport, and how does it compare to the rest of New York State?
While costs vary by provider type, in Phillipsport and Sullivan County, you can expect to pay an average of $800 to $1,200 per month for full-time care for an infant or toddler in a licensed setting. Family daycare homes are often on the lower end of this range, while centers may be on the higher end. This is generally below the statewide average, which is significantly higher in the New York City metropolitan area. However, it's important to note that these costs still represent a substantial portion of a typical household income in the region. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of what is included (meals, diapers, etc.) and inquire about any potential registration or annual fees.
What local resources or organizations in Sullivan County can help me find and evaluate childcare near Phillipsport?
The best centralized local resource is the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for the region, which is operated by the Research Foundation for SUNY. They maintain a database of licensed and registered providers in Sullivan County, offer personalized referrals based on your needs, and can provide guidance on choosing quality care. You can contact them via the New York State OCFS website or by phone. Additionally, the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development and local libraries often have community bulletin boards with provider information. For evaluating quality, look for providers participating in QUALITYstarsNY, New York's voluntary quality rating and improvement system.
Nearby Cities
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