The Best Daycare Centers in Round Lake, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Round Lake. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Round Lake
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Clifton Park offers a premier early childhood education program serving the Round Lake area. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on play-based learning across seven learning domains. The school features state-of-the-art facilities with secure entry systems, dedicated age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the curriculum includes STEAM learning, sign language for infants, and character development programs. The center maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and offers flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Kiddie Academy of Clifton Park
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Clifton Park provides comprehensive educational childcare with a balanced approach to learning and development. Their Life Essentials® curriculum integrates character education, technology, and hands-on learning experiences. The facility features secure access controls, age-appropriate learning centers, and nutritionally balanced meals prepared on-site. The academy employs certified early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. Their program includes daily communication with parents through an electronic reporting system, regular developmental assessments, and enrichment activities such as music, Spanish, and physical education. The center serves families throughout the Capital Region including Round Lake.
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The Learning Experience - Malta
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Malta offers a sophisticated early education program serving the Round Lake community. Their L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum incorporates phonics, mathematics, science, and moral values through engaging, proprietary characters. The center features modern security systems, bright and cheerful classrooms, and multiple outdoor play areas. Their programs include early literacy development, foreign language exposure, and fitness activities. The facility maintains high staff retention rates with teachers trained in their proprietary curriculum and child development principles. Parent communication is enhanced through regular updates and a dedicated mobile app for daily activity tracking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Round Lake, NY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Round Lake, NY, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Round Lake, NY, all childcare programs caring for three or more 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 center-based programs. Licensing ensures providers meet strict standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program curriculum. To verify a facility's compliance and view any past violations, you can use the OCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool on their official website. You can also contact the OCFS regional office in Albany, which oversees Saratoga County. Always ask providers for their license number and check their most recent inspection report.
What is the average cost of full-time infant or toddler daycare in Round Lake, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Round Lake area (Saratoga County), full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Costs vary based on the type of facility (center vs. home-based), specific location, and included amenities. For financial assistance, New York State offers the Child Care Subsidy Program for eligible families, administered locally by the Saratoga County Department of Social Services. Additionally, you may inquire with individual providers about potential sibling discounts or private scholarships. The Capital District Child Care Council, which serves Saratoga County, is an excellent resource for navigating subsidy applications and understanding local affordability options.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in the Round Lake area, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to high demand in Saratoga County, waitlists for infant and toddler spots at reputable daycare centers near Round Lake can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their list: how many families are ahead of you, how often it's updated, and if they require a deposit to hold a spot. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family daycares in Round Lake and neighboring communities like Malta or Clifton Park, as they may have more immediate availability and shorter lists.
Are there any daycare facilities in Round Lake that offer specialized programs, such as those with a nature-based curriculum or extended hours for commuting parents?
While Round Lake itself is a small village, the surrounding Saratoga County area offers diverse programming. Several centers in nearby Malta, Ballston Spa, and Clifton Park offer nature-based or outdoor-focused curricula, taking advantage of the region's parks and natural spaces. For extended hours, some facilities along the I-87 corridor cater to commuting parents, offering care from as early as 6:30 AM to as late as 6:30 PM. It's important to note that specific offerings in the village of Round Lake may be limited, so most parents look to the broader county. Using the Capital District Child Care Council's referral service can help you filter for these specific program features and commute-friendly locations.
What resources are available in Round Lake to help me evaluate and choose between a home-based family daycare and a larger childcare center?
The best local resource for comparing options is the Capital District Child Care Council (CDCCC). They offer free, personalized referrals and can provide lists of both licensed family daycares and centers in the Round Lake/Saratoga County area. They also offer counseling to help you understand the pros and cons of each setting. Key local considerations include: Family daycares often provide a home-like environment with mixed-age groups and may be more flexible, while centers typically have structured curricula, multiple staff, and may be less susceptible to closure for provider illness. You should visit both types, ask about their NYS-required emergency evacuation plans (especially relevant given our regional weather), and check their OCFS inspection history. Talking to other local parents in community groups or at Round Lake Village events can also provide invaluable firsthand insights.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Round Lake: