The Best Daycare Centers in Silver Bay, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Silver Bay. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Silver Bay
Silver Bay YMCA of the Adirondacks Child Care
YMCA of the Adirondacks
The Silver Bay YMCA Child Care Center provides comprehensive early childhood education in a nurturing lakeside environment. Operating as part of the historic Silver Bay YMCA conference center, this facility offers a play-based curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development, outdoor exploration, and age-appropriate academic readiness. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with low student-teacher ratios. The program benefits from extensive outdoor facilities including playgrounds, nature trails, and access to Lake George. Safety is prioritized with secure facilities, certified staff in CPR/First Aid, and structured daily routines. The center serves both local families and seasonal conference center attendees.
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Ticonderoga Area Child Care Center
Independent Non-Profit
Located approximately 15 minutes from Silver Bay, Ticonderoga Area Child Care Center is a licensed non-profit facility serving the broader Lake George region. The center follows a structured early learning curriculum that incorporates Creative Curriculum elements with New York State early learning standards. Qualified early childhood educators focus on whole-child development through hands-on learning centers, literacy-rich environments, and STEM activities. The facility features secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritional meal programs. Parent communication is emphasized through daily reports, parent-teacher conferences, and family engagement events. The center maintains excellent safety records with regular state inspections and comprehensive staff training.
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The Goddard School of Queensbury
Goddard Systems, Inc.
As part of the nationally recognized Goddard School network, this Queensbury location serves families throughout the Lake George region, including Silver Bay (approximately 25-minute drive). The school implements the Goddard Systems' F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development and creative expression. State-certified teachers deliver curriculum through learning centers, project-based activities, and technology integration. The modern facility features secure entry systems, multiple age-specific playgrounds, and bright, well-equipped classrooms. The program emphasizes STEAM education, foreign language exposure, and character development. Parent satisfaction is high due to transparent communication through daily digital updates and regular progress assessments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Silver Bay, NY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Silver Bay, NY, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Silver Bay, New York, 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 group family daycares or daycare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet strict standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program curriculum. To verify a facility's compliance, you can use the OCFS "Child Care Program Search" tool online, where you can look up any licensed or registered provider in Essex County to see their status, any recent inspections, and if they have any violations on record. You can also contact the OCFS regional office for the North Country directly.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with the cost of childcare in Silver Bay?
Yes, financial assistance is available for eligible families in Silver Bay through New York State's Child Care Subsidy Program, often administered locally by the Essex County Department of Social Services. This program helps low-income families, those in job training, or parents pursuing education pay for licensed or registered childcare. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, training, etc.). Additionally, you may qualify for the New York State Child and Dependent Care Credit on your state taxes. We recommend contacting the Essex County DSS directly to apply and determine your eligibility, as waitlists for subsidies can exist.
Given Silver Bay's smaller size, how long are typical waitlists for daycare centers or popular in-home providers, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to limited options in a small community like Silver Bay, waitlists for licensed daycare providers, especially for infants and toddlers, can be significant—often ranging from 6 months to over a year. Popular in-home family daycares may have even shorter, but highly coveted, openings. To secure a spot, it's advisable to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. Be proactive: visit providers, complete all pre-registration paperwork, and check in periodically (every few months) to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Ticonderoga or Port Henry for more options, though this adds commute time.
What types of childcare are most commonly available in Silver Bay, and are there any unique programs tailored to the local community?
Silver Bay primarily offers licensed family daycare homes and group family daycare homes, given its residential, lakeside setting. Formal daycare centers are less common and may require travel to a larger town. Some providers may incorporate the natural environment into their programs, with outdoor play and activities related to Lake George and the Adirondacks. You might also find smaller, informal networks of babysitters or nanny shares organized within the community. For school-age children, the local school district may offer before- and after-school programs. Checking community boards at the Silver Bay YMCA Conference Center or the post office, and joining local Facebook parenting groups for Essex County, are great ways to discover these more localized options.
What is the average cost for full-time infant childcare in Silver Bay, and how does it compare to the New York State average?
In Silver Bay and the surrounding Essex County area, the average cost for full-time infant care in a licensed setting typically ranges from $800 to $1,100 per month. This is generally below the New York State average, which can exceed $1,400 per month in urban areas like New York City. However, costs vary based on the type of care (family home vs. center), the provider's specific offerings, and hours. While more affordable than downstate, childcare costs in Silver Bay still represent a significant portion of household income for many families. It's crucial to get detailed quotes from individual providers, as some may include meals and supplies while others charge extra.