The Best Daycare Centers in Warners, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Warners. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Warners
Small Wonders Early Childhood Center
Independent
Small Wonders offers a comprehensive educational program focusing on whole-child development through play-based learning and structured curriculum. The center features highly qualified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, ensuring personalized attention. Their facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and modern safety systems. The curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy readiness, and STEM exploration. Parents praise the center's nurturing environment, excellent communication, and strong community feel that makes it a top choice for families in the Warners area.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Syracuse
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
As part of the nationally recognized Bright Horizons network, this center offers a research-based World at Their Fingertips curriculum that promotes cognitive, social, and physical development. The facility features state-of-the-art security systems, certified early childhood teachers, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Their program includes emergent curriculum approaches, literacy-rich classrooms, and hands-on learning experiences. The center maintains excellent staff retention rates and comprehensive health and safety protocols, making it a trusted choice for professional families commuting from Warners to downtown Syracuse.
Daycare Services:
La Petite Academy of Liverpool
Learning Care Group
La Petite Academy provides a balanced educational approach through their proprietary School Readiness pathway curriculum, focusing on academic preparation and social development. The center features dedicated learning centers, secure playgrounds, and certified teachers with ongoing professional development. Their program includes technology integration, character development activities, and individualized learning plans. Safety is prioritized with secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness protocols. The Liverpool location conveniently serves Warners families with flexible scheduling options and nutritious meal programs included in tuition.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Warners, NY
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool for an infant or toddler in Warners, NY?
In Warners and the surrounding Onondaga County area, daycare costs are generally aligned with regional upstate New York averages. For full-time infant care (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. In-home family daycare providers in Warners may offer slightly lower rates, often between $800 to $1,200 monthly. It's important to note that costs can vary based on the program's curriculum, staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities. Many facilities in the area offer limited slots for the Child Care Subsidy Program through the Onondaga County Department of Social Services for eligible families.
How long are the waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Warners, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited center-based options directly in the village of Warners, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It is not uncommon for popular centers in the West Genesee school district area to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months for infants. For toddler and preschool slots, waitlists may be 3 to 6 months. We strongly recommend starting your search and placing applications during your second trimester of pregnancy for infant care, and at least 4-6 months before your desired start date for older children. Many parents also expand their search to nearby communities like Camillus, Fairmount, and Syracuse to increase their options.
What are the key differences between a licensed group family daycare home and a daycare center in New York State, and how do I find licensed providers in Warners?
New York State licenses two main types of childcare: Day Care Centers and Group Family Day Care Homes. Centers are facility-based, often have multiple classrooms, and follow strict staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants). A Group Family Day Care Home is operated in a provider's residence for 7-12 children, with an assistant required. Both are regulated by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). To find licensed providers in Warners, use the OCFS Child Care Search tool online, filtering by zip code (13164). You can also contact the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) agency for Onondaga County, which serves the area and provides free, personalized referrals and quality information.
Are there any state or local programs in Onondaga County that help with the cost of childcare for working families in Warners?
Yes, there are several key programs. The primary one is the New York State Child Care Subsidy Program, administered locally by the Onondaga County Department of Social Services (DSS). Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, training, etc.). Additionally, all New York families may be eligible for the NYS Child and Dependent Care Credit on their state taxes. For local support, the Early Childhood Direction Center (ECDC) of Central New York, based in Syracuse, can help families of children with special needs access appropriate care and funding. It's also worth checking if your employer offers a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
What should I look for during a tour of a daycare provider in the Warners area, and what questions are specific to this region?
During a tour, observe cleanliness, child engagement, and staff interactions. Check that the license is posted and current. Ask specific questions relevant to the Warners area: "How do you handle winter weather closures or delays, especially given our lake-effect snow?" "What is your policy for pickup if I'm delayed due to traffic on I-690 or Route 5?" "Do you have an outdoor play space, and how often do children go outside in colder months?" "Can you describe your communication with the West Genesee School District for pre-K transitions?" Also, inquire about the provider's plan for emergency preparedness and if they participate in quality improvement programs like QUALITYstarsNY, which is active in Onondaga County.