The Best Daycare Centers in Wantagh, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Wantagh. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Wantagh
Bright Horizons at Wantagh
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Wantagh is a nationally accredited early education center offering comprehensive child development programs. The center features an emergent curriculum that combines play-based learning with structured academic preparation. Highly qualified teachers with early childhood degrees implement developmentally appropriate practices in modern, secure classrooms. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms with low child-to-teacher ratios, age-appropriate outdoor play spaces, and advanced security systems. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development through hands-on learning experiences. The center maintains excellent health and safety protocols with regular cleaning and secure entry systems.
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The Learning Experience - Bellmore
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in nearby Bellmore serves the Wantagh community with their proprietary L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The center features state-of-the-art facilities including interactive whiteboards, dedicated music and movement rooms, and secure outdoor playgrounds. Their programs include phonics-based early literacy, mathematics, foreign language exposure, and their unique philanthropy curriculum teaching empathy and community involvement. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The center maintains excellent safety records with secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and rigorous health protocols.
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Kiddie Academy of Levittown
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Levittown provides comprehensive educational childcare serving the Wantagh area with their Life Essentials curriculum that focuses on character development, STEM learning, and school readiness. The academy features purpose-built classrooms with learning centers for literacy, math, science, and creative arts. Their technology-enhanced learning includes interactive tools while maintaining balanced screen-time policies. The center employs degreed early childhood educators who implement developmentally appropriate practices and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness protocols. The academy offers nutritious meal programs and maintains excellent communication with parents through daily updates and progress reports.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Wantagh, NY
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool for an infant or toddler in Wantagh, NY?
In Wantagh, the cost of full-time childcare varies significantly by age and program type. For infants (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,800 and $2,400 per month at a licensed daycare center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,500 to $2,000 monthly. Home-based family daycare in the area is often slightly less expensive, ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 per month for full-time care. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, facility amenities, and whether meals are included. It's important to note that costs on Long Island, including Wantagh, are generally higher than the national average due to the region's cost of living.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Wantagh, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Wantagh can be substantial, especially for infant spots. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for infant care. For a fall start, many parents begin their search and join waitlists a full year in advance, often during the prior fall or winter. For immediate or short-term needs, your best options may be smaller family daycares or nanny shares, which can have more flexible availability. We recommend contacting centers directly, touring facilities, and getting on multiple waitlists as soon as you know you will need care.
What are the key New York State licensing requirements I should verify when choosing a daycare in Wantagh?
All childcare providers in Wantagh must be licensed or registered with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). Key requirements you should confirm include: staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers), maximum group sizes, background checks for all staff, and mandatory training in topics like Safe Sleep (for infants), Shaken Baby Syndrome, and First Aid/CPR. Licensed centers and home-based programs are subject to regular, unannounced inspections. You can verify a provider's license status and review any inspection reports on the OCFS website. This public record is a crucial tool for ensuring your child's safety.
Are there any local resources or programs in Wantagh that help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, the Child Care Council of Nassau is the primary local resource for Wantagh parents. This non-profit agency, funded in part by New York State, offers a free referral service to help you find licensed and registered childcare that matches your specific needs (hours, location, budget). They also provide guidance on what to look for during a visit, questions to ask providers, and information on financial assistance programs like the New York State Child Care Subsidy. Additionally, local parenting groups on social media platforms like Facebook (e.g., "Wantagh Moms") are valuable for getting personal recommendations and experiences from other families in the community.
What are the common schedule options and hours of operation for daycare centers in Wantagh?
Most daycare centers in Wantagh operate on a standard schedule to accommodate working parents, typically from 7:00 AM or 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM or 6:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Many offer both full-time (5 days a week) and part-time options (e.g., 2, 3, or 5 half-days). Some preschool programs may follow a traditional school-year calendar with shorter hours (e.g., 9 AM - 12 PM), but these are less common for full daycare needs. It's essential to inquire about early drop-off/late pick-up policies and any additional fees. Very few centers in the area offer weekend or overnight care, so parents with non-traditional hours often need to seek alternative arrangements like a nanny or a licensed family daycare with more flexible hours.