The Best Daycare Centers in Waverly, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Waverly. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Waverly
The Goddard School of Sayre
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Sayre offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. Curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and character enrichment programs. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through an app, and comprehensive safety protocols including background-checked staff.
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Greater Valley YMCA - Sayre Child Care Center
YMCA of the USA
The Greater Valley YMCA Child Care Center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a focus on whole-child development through their YMCA curriculum. The center emphasizes character values, physical activity, and academic preparation. Their experienced staff includes certified early childhood educators who implement developmentally appropriate practices. The facility offers secure environments, nutritious meal programs, and indoor/outdoor play spaces. The YMCA's extensive experience in child development and community programming ensures quality care with emphasis on social-emotional learning, literacy development, and healthy living habits.
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Bright Horizons at Corning
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Corning offers a research-based curriculum called The World at Their Fingertips that integrates emergent curriculum with structured learning experiences. Their highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in ongoing professional development. The center features purpose-built classrooms, secure environments with keypad entry, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. Their approach emphasizes language and literacy, mathematics, science, creative arts, and social-emotional development. The center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and provides comprehensive health and safety protocols including regular sanitation and emergency preparedness training.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Waverly, NY
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Waverly, NY?
In Waverly and the surrounding Tioga County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $800 to $1,100 per month for an infant or toddler. Licensed home-based daycare programs are often slightly more affordable, typically ranging from $650 to $900 per month. These rates are generally lower than in major New York metropolitan areas but have been rising. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Many local providers participate in the New York State Child Care Subsidy Program, which can help eligible families offset costs.
How can I verify a daycare provider's license and inspection history in Waverly?
All regulated childcare programs in New York State, including those in Waverly, must be licensed or registered through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). You can verify a provider's status and view their recent inspection reports online through the OCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool. Simply enter the provider's name or location. This public database will show their license status, capacity, any violations cited, and the results of routine inspections. You can also contact the OCFS Regional Office for the Southern Tier for additional information. Always choose a licensed or registered provider to ensure they meet state health, safety, and staff training standards.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Waverly, and when should I start looking?
Due to limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists are common at many licensed daycare centers and highly-regarded home-based programs in Waverly. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move start their search at least 6 to 9 months before they need care. Some popular providers may have waitlists that extend a year or more. When contacting providers, be sure to ask about their specific waitlist process, any associated fees, and how often they update availability. Exploring multiple options, including both centers and licensed family daycares in Waverly and neighboring communities like Barton or Sayre, PA, can increase your chances of securing a spot.
What are some local resources in Waverly to help me find and evaluate childcare options?
A key local resource is the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) agency that serves Tioga County, which is typically administered through a organization like The Child Development Council or a similar family services network. They maintain updated lists of licensed and registered providers in the Waverly area and can offer personalized referrals based on your needs. Additionally, the "Waverly Moms & Dads" or "Tioga County, NY Community" Facebook groups are often used by parents to share personal experiences and recommendations for local daycares and babysitters. For evaluating quality, look for providers that participate in New York's QualitystarsNY rating system, which assesses programs on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the Waverly School District?
The Waverly Central School District typically offers a School-Age Child Care (SACC) program for students in grades K-5 or K-6. This district-run or contracted program usually operates in the elementary school building, providing care before school from around 7:00 AM and after school until 5:30 or 6:00 PM. Space can be limited, so early registration is advised. Alternatively, several licensed home-based daycares in Waverly also offer transportation to and from local schools and provide after-school care, which may include homework help, snacks, and activities. The local Boys & Girls Club or YMCA in the broader Southern Tier region may also offer after-school programming with transportation from Waverly schools; it's best to contact these organizations directly for current availability and routes.