The Best Daycare Centers in Scarsdale, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Scarsdale. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Scarsdale
The Learning Experience - Scarsdale
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Scarsdale offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum that focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and surveillance cameras. Highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, indoor play areas, and outdoor playgrounds. Their enrichment programs include music, dance, and philanthropy lessons, creating a well-rounded educational experience for children from infancy through pre-K.
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The Goddard School of Scarsdale
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Scarsdale provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX. (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development. The school employs highly educated teachers with backgrounds in early childhood education and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The program emphasizes STEAM learning, foreign language exposure, and character development. Their purpose-built facility features bright classrooms, dedicated art and music areas, and safe outdoor play spaces designed for different age groups.
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Bright Horizons at Scarsdale
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Scarsdale offers a research-based World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and developmental milestones. The center features highly qualified early childhood educators with bachelor's degrees and specialized training in child development. Advanced security measures include biometric entry systems and comprehensive emergency protocols. The program focuses on emergent curriculum that follows children's interests while building foundational literacy, math, and science skills. Facilities include age-specific learning environments, natural outdoor play areas, and dedicated spaces for art, music, and movement activities. Parent communication is enhanced through daily digital reports and regular conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Scarsdale, NY
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Scarsdale, NY, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Scarsdale, the average cost for full-time infant or toddler daycare typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,800 per month, depending on the type of facility (e.g., in-home daycare, center-based, or a prestigious early learning academy). This is notably higher than the national average, reflecting the area's high cost of living and demand for quality care. While Scarsdale itself has limited public assistance programs, New York State offers the Child Care Subsidy Program for eligible families, administered through the Westchester County Department of Social Services. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth exploring Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) through employers and the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.
How long are typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Scarsdale, and when should I start my search?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Scarsdale can be extensive, often ranging from 6 to 18 months, especially for infant spots which are in very limited supply. It is strongly recommended that expectant parents begin researching and touring facilities during their second trimester, and ideally place applications before the baby is born. For preschool programs for 2-4 year olds, many families apply a full year in advance for a September start. Staying in regular, polite contact with your top choices can be beneficial, as spots sometimes open up unexpectedly.
What are the key differences between a NYS-licensed group family daycare home and a daycare center in Scarsdale?
In Scarsdale, parents will encounter both licensed group family daycare homes and child daycare centers. A **group family daycare home** is run out of a provider's residence and can care for up to 12 children (with assistants), often offering a more intimate, home-like setting with mixed-age groups and potentially more flexible hours. A **child daycare center** operates in a commercial or institutional space, is typically larger, and follows a more structured curriculum with classrooms divided by age. Both are licensed and inspected by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), but centers often have more formal educational frameworks. Your choice may depend on your preference for environment, schedule, and educational philosophy.
Are there any unique enrichment or educational programs commonly offered by Scarsdale daycares that align with the local school district's reputation?
Yes, many Scarsdale daycare centers and preschools offer enrichment programs that reflect the community's high value on education. It's common to find curricula incorporating early literacy (like phonics programs), STEM exploration, foreign language introduction (often Spanish or Mandarin), music and movement, and outdoor/nature-based learning. Some facilities partner with local organizations for activities like yoga or soccer. Given the reputation of the Scarsdale Union Free School District, many programs aim to provide a strong foundation for kindergarten readiness, focusing on social-emotional skills, problem-solving, and collaborative play, in addition to academic precursors.
What should I look for during a daycare tour in Scarsdale, and are there specific local regulations or safety standards I should ask about?
During a tour, observe cleanliness, child-to-staff ratios (NY State mandates, for example, 1:4 for infants), staff engagement, and the overall happiness of the children. In Scarsdale, specifically ask about their emergency preparedness plans for weather events, their outdoor play space security, and their sick child policy. Verify their NYS OCFS license is current and ask about staff qualifications and turnover rates. Given Westchester's suburban setting, inquire about drop-off/pick-up procedures to ensure safety near often-busy roads. It's also wise to ask about their communication with parents (many use apps like Brightwheel) and how they handle food if your child has allergies, as many facilities are nut-aware. Checking online for recent inspection reports via the NYS OCFS website is also a crucial step.