The Best Daycare Centers in Purdys, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Purdys. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Purdys
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Somers offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their play-based curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social development. Features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure entry systems, comprehensive safety protocols, and bright, modern classrooms. Offers nutritious meals and snacks, extensive outdoor play areas, and regular parent communication through daily reports and an app. Serves families throughout northern Westchester County including Purdys residents.
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Somers Academy Daycare & Preschool
Independent
Somers Academy provides comprehensive childcare services with a strong educational foundation. Their curriculum emphasizes early literacy, mathematics, science exploration, and social skills development. Features small class sizes with low student-teacher ratios, experienced early childhood educators, and a nurturing environment. Safety measures include secure access, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. Offers flexible scheduling, nutritious meals, indoor gymnasium, and outdoor playgrounds. Particularly noted for their infant care program with detailed daily communication and developmental tracking.
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The Learning Experience - Brewster
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Brewster offers a comprehensive early education program with proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that includes phonics, foreign language, manners, and fitness. Features state-of-the-art security systems including coded entry, camera monitoring, and strict pickup protocols. Staff includes certified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. Modern facilities include interactive whiteboards, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. Provides flexible scheduling options, enrichment programs, and serves families throughout Putnam and northern Westchester counties including Purdys area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Purdys, NY
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Purdys, NY, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Purdys and the surrounding North Westchester area, full-time daycare for an infant or toddler typically ranges from $1,400 to $2,000+ per month, while preschool programs for 3-5 year-olds often cost between $1,000 and $1,600 monthly. These costs reflect the higher cost of living in Westchester County. For financial assistance, New York State's Child Care Subsidy Program is available for eligible families, administered through the Westchester County Department of Social Services. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts. It's also worth inquiring about potential scholarships at non-profit centers or church-affiliated programs in the Purdys/Croton Falls area.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a daycare provider in Purdys, NY?
All licensed daycare providers in New York, including those in Purdys, are regulated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). You can verify a provider's license and view their full inspection history, including any violations, by using the OCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool online. Simply search by the program's name, location, or license number. This public database will show the facility's status (licensed, registered, or enrolled), capacity, ages served, and detailed reports from the last several years. For family daycare homes (caring for up to 6 children), ensure they are either registered with OCFS or legally exempt.
Given Purdys's more rural setting, what types of childcare options are most commonly available, and are waitlists a significant issue?
Purdys offers a mix of options suited to its semi-rural community. These include licensed family daycare homes (often in residential settings), smaller private daycare centers, and part-time or full-time preschool programs. Due to the lower density of providers compared to more urban parts of Westchester, availability can be limited, and waitlists are common, especially for infant care and highly sought-after preschools. It is strongly recommended to begin your search at least 6-12 months before you need care. Many parents in the area also consider providers in nearby towns like Croton Falls, North Salem, or Goldens Bridge, which may offer additional options.
Are there any unique seasonal or part-time childcare programs for school-age children in the Purdys area?
Yes, several organizations cater to school-age children. The Town of North Salem (which includes Purdys) often runs recreational programs, summer camps, and vacation camps through its Parks and Recreation Department. The North Salem Central School District may also offer before-and-after-school care ("SACCS" programs) at its elementary school. For more extensive options, many local daycare centers and the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester in nearby Mt. Kisco offer after-school pickup services from area schools and full-day programs during school holidays and summer breaks. Registration for these popular programs often opens early in the year.
What should I look for in a daycare provider regarding emergency preparedness and outdoor play, considering Purdys's environment?
Given Purdys's location with more open space, wooded areas, and potential for winter weather, ask specific questions about safety protocols. A quality provider should have a clear emergency plan for events like power outages, severe storms, or wildfires (relevant to the wooded landscape), and communicate this plan to parents. For outdoor play, which is a significant benefit in this area, inspect the outdoor play space for secure, age-appropriate fencing and safe equipment. Inquire about their policy for outdoor time in colder months and their tick prevention/safety measures, as Lyme disease is a concern in Westchester County. Providers should also have clear transportation policies if they take children on local field trips.