The Best Daycare Centers in Tappan, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Tappan. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Tappan
The Goddard School of Pearl River
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Pearl River offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. What sets this center apart is their comprehensive approach to developmental milestones tracking and strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Pearl River
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Pearl River provides research-based early education with their World at Their Fingers® curriculum that emphasizes emergent learning and project-based activities. The center features state-of-the-art security including coded entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Their educators hold early childhood credentials and participate in ongoing training. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, STEM labs for older children, and natural outdoor play spaces. They stand out for their focus on emergent curriculum that follows children's interests and their strong emphasis on social-emotional learning and executive function skills development.
Daycare Services:
Rockland Family Shelter Children's Center
Rockland Family Shelter
Rockland Family Shelter Children's Center offers a nurturing, trauma-informed early childhood program with a strong focus on social-emotional development and inclusive practices. Their emergent curriculum incorporates play-based learning, literacy development, and creative arts. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and employs degreed early childhood educators. Safety is prioritized with secure facilities, comprehensive emergency protocols, and health monitoring systems. What makes this center exceptional is their expertise in supporting children with diverse needs and backgrounds, plus their commitment to anti-bias education and family support services. They serve families throughout Rockland County, including Tappan residents.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Tappan, NY
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool for an infant or toddler in Tappan, NY?
In Tappan and the surrounding Rockland County area, childcare costs are generally above the New York state average. For full-time care (5 days a week), you can expect to pay approximately $1,400 to $2,000+ per month for an infant, and $1,200 to $1,700 per month for a toddler. Preschool programs for 3-5 year olds often range from $1,000 to $1,500 monthly. These rates are influenced by factors such as the type of facility (home-based vs. center-based), staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and included amenities. It's advisable to budget for potential annual increases and inquire about what's included (e.g., meals, diapers, enrichment activities). Some local centers may offer sibling discounts.
How do I verify that a daycare or childcare provider in Tappan is properly licensed and safe?
All licensed childcare programs in Tappan are regulated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). You can and should verify a provider's license, inspection history, and any violations through the OCFS online "Child Care Facility Search" tool. Simply enter the provider's name or location. This public database shows their license status, capacity, and results of recent inspections. Additionally, you can contact the OCFS Regional Office for Rockland County directly. When visiting a potential daycare, ask to see their current license and ask about staff qualifications, background checks, emergency procedures, and their compliance with New York's specific health and safety standards, including safe sleep practices for infants.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Tappan, and when should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many sought-after daycare centers and preschools in Tappan and the broader Rockland County region, especially for infant spots. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally 6 to 12 months before your needed start date, and even during pregnancy for infant care. Popular centers may have waitlists exceeding a year. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee, how often you need to confirm your interest, and the estimated timeline. Also consider exploring licensed family daycare homes in residential neighborhoods, as they may have more immediate availability or shorter lists.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Tappan, NY?
Parents in Tappan typically have access to several types of licensed childcare options. These include: 1. **Childcare Centers:** Larger facilities, often with structured preschool curricula and multiple classrooms. Examples include chains and independent centers in Tappan and nearby towns like Orangeburg and Blauvelt. 2. **Family/Group Family Daycare Homes:** Licensed providers caring for children in their own residences. These are smaller, home-like settings, often with mixed-age groups and more flexible hours. 3. **Nursery Schools/Preschools:** These often offer part-day programs focused on education and socialization for children ages 2-5. 4. **School-Age Child Care (SACC):** For older children, often provided by the local South Orangetown Central School District or community organizations for before/after school and school holidays. Many parents also utilize informal networks and nanny shares, particularly for more flexible or non-standard hours.
Does New York State or Rockland County offer any financial assistance programs to help with daycare costs in Tappan?
Yes, there are several assistance programs available for eligible families. The primary program is New York's **Child Care Subsidy Program**, administered locally by the Rockland County Department of Social Services (DSS). Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (e.g., employment, education). You can apply through the Rockland County DSS. Additionally, you may qualify for the **New York State Child and Dependent Care Credit** on your state income taxes. Some local daycare centers also offer limited need-based scholarships or sliding scale fees—it's always worth asking directly. For federal employees or military families stationed in the area, specific subsidy programs may also be accessible.