The Best Daycare Centers in South Glens Falls, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in South Glens Falls. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in South Glens Falls
The Goddard School of Queensbury
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Queensbury offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) concepts and develops literacy, social, and cognitive skills. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers are highly qualified with ongoing professional development, and the school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. The program emphasizes character development and prepares children for elementary school success through structured learning activities and play-based exploration.
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Kiddie Academy of Clifton Park
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Clifton Park provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character education, technology, and hands-on learning. The academy features secure facilities with coded entry systems, modern classrooms with interactive technology, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Their program includes nutritionally balanced meals, regular parent communication through mobile apps, and developmentally appropriate activities. The staff includes certified early childhood educators who create individualized learning plans and track developmental milestones. The curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, mathematics, and prepares children for kindergarten readiness.
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The Children's Museum at Saratoga Early Childhood Center
The Children's Museum at Saratoga
The Children's Museum Early Childhood Center offers a unique play-based learning environment integrated with museum resources. Their Reggio Emilia-inspired approach emphasizes child-directed learning, exploration, and project-based activities. The center features specialized learning environments, access to museum exhibits, and nature-based outdoor spaces. Teachers are certified in early childhood education and receive ongoing training in emergent curriculum development. The program focuses on developing critical thinking, creativity, and social skills through hands-on experiences. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular communication, classroom participation, and family events. Safety protocols include secure access systems and comprehensive health and safety procedures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in South Glens Falls, NY
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in South Glens Falls, NY?
In South Glens Falls and the surrounding Warren and Saratoga County areas, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of care. For a licensed daycare center, parents can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month for infant care. For toddlers, the cost may range from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. Home-based family daycare programs are often slightly less expensive, typically ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that New York State offers subsidy programs like the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, which can help offset these expenses. We recommend contacting providers directly for their most current rates and inquiring about any available sibling discounts.
How do I verify that a daycare in South Glens Falls is properly licensed and what should I look for in inspection records?
All licensed daycare providers in New York State are regulated by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). You can verify a provider's license and view their inspection history through the OCFS "Child Care Facility Search" website. Simply enter the provider's name or location. When reviewing records for a South Glens Falls provider, pay close attention to the "Inspection Reports" section. Look for compliance with key regulations such as staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios (e.g., 4:1 for infants), and health and safety standards. Also, check for any "Violations Found" and see if they have been corrected. A clean record is ideal, but a provider that has promptly corrected minor violations demonstrates responsiveness to regulations. You can also contact the OCFS regional office in Albany for the Capital District region for further assistance.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in South Glens Falls, and when should I start looking for care?
Yes, waitlists are common for many daycare centers and highly-regarded home-based programs in South Glens Falls, particularly for infant care slots. Due to high demand and limited capacity, it is strongly advised that expecting parents or parents planning a return to work begin their search during pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester. For toddler or preschool-age openings, a lead time of 3 to 6 months is often necessary. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process: Is there a fee to join? How often is the list updated? What is the typical wait time? Exploring options in nearby communities like Glens Falls, Queensbury, or Moreau can also increase your chances of finding timely care.
What are some of the unique or popular childcare options available specifically in the South Glens Falls community?
South Glens Falls offers a mix of traditional and community-integrated childcare options. A popular local feature is the proximity to and programs associated with the **South Glens Falls Central School District**. Some daycare providers have established relationships with the district and may offer preschool curricula that align with local kindergarten readiness standards. Additionally, several local churches, such as those in the village, host licensed daycare or preschool programs. For school-age children, the district's own **SGF Recreation Department** often runs affordable before-and-after-school programs and school break camps, which are a convenient option for working parents. Exploring these community-based options can provide a strong sense of local connection and continuity for your child's care and education.
What resources are available locally to help me find and choose a daycare provider in South Glens Falls?
Your primary local resource is the **Child Care Council of Schenectady, Saratoga, and Fulton Counties**. While based in Schenectady, they serve Saratoga County and offer free, personalized referrals for licensed and registered providers in South Glens Falls. Their counselors can match your family's needs with local options and provide guidance on quality indicators, financial assistance, and the enrollment process. You can contact them via their website or phone. Additionally, local parenting groups on social media platforms like Facebook (e.g., "South Glens Falls, NY Community" or "Saratoga Moms") are invaluable for getting firsthand recommendations and experiences from other parents in the village. Your pediatrician's office in the Glens Falls region may also have a list of recommended local providers.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near South Glens Falls: