The Best Daycare Centers in Yonkers, NY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Yonkers. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Yonkers
The Goddard School of Yonkers
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Yonkers 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. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios for personalized attention.
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Bright Horizons at Yonkers
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Yonkers provides a research-based World at Their Fingertips curriculum that focuses on emergent learning and developmental milestones. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, including coded entry and comprehensive safety protocols. Their educational approach emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on activities. The highly qualified teaching staff includes certified early childhood educators with specialized training in child development. The facility offers nutritious meal programs, spacious indoor learning environments, and structured outdoor play areas designed for different age groups.
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Little Sprouts Academy
Independent
Little Sprouts Academy is a family-owned childcare center known for its nurturing environment and comprehensive educational program. Their curriculum combines Montessori-inspired activities with traditional early childhood education, focusing on cognitive, social, and emotional development. The center features modern security systems, including surveillance cameras and secure access controls. Their experienced teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and participates in continuous professional development. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, preschool classrooms, and age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds. They emphasize parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Yonkers, NY
What are the typical costs for daycare in Yonkers, NY, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Yonkers, daycare costs vary significantly based on the child's age and the type of program. For infants, full-time care at a licensed center typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,800 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs are slightly lower, averaging $1,000 to $1,500 per month. Home-based family daycare is often more affordable, ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. To help with these expenses, Yonkers parents can apply for the New York State Child Care Subsidy Program through the Westchester County Department of Social Services. Additionally, the Yonkers Public Schools may offer free or low-cost Pre-K programs for 4-year-olds, which can provide substantial relief. It's also worth checking with individual centers about sliding scale fees or sibling discounts.
How do I verify if a daycare in Yonkers is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All licensed daycare providers in Yonkers are regulated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). You can verify a provider's license, inspection history, and any violations by using the OCFS "Child Care Facility Search" tool online. When touring a facility in Yonkers, look for the license visibly posted. Key local considerations include: safety protocols for the building (many Yonkers facilities are in older buildings, so check for updated fire safety systems), the cleanliness and size of both indoor and outdoor play areas (ask about their policy for outdoor time during colder months), staff-to-child ratios (NY state mandates specific ratios, such as 1:4 for infants), and ask about their emergency plans for local issues like winter weather or power outages. Don't hesitate to ask for references from other Yonkers parents.
Are waitlists common for daycares in Yonkers, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for high-quality and conveniently located daycare centers in Yonkers, especially for infant care slots, which are the most limited due to strict staff-to-child ratios. For popular centers in neighborhoods like Getty Square, Lincoln Park, or near the Metro-North stations, waitlists can be 6 to 12 months long, or even longer. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents in Yonkers begin their search and put their name on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool programs, starting your search 4-6 months in advance is advisable. Be prepared to place non-refundable deposits at multiple locations to secure a spot. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family daycare homes in residential areas, which may have shorter wait times.
What are the options for part-time or flexible childcare schedules in Yonkers?
Yonkers offers several options for parents needing part-time or flexible care. Many larger daycare centers offer 2, 3, or 4-day-a-week schedules, though these spots are often limited and may not be available for infants. Licensed family daycare providers are often more accommodating of non-traditional or shift-work schedules. The Yonkers Family YMCA and other community centers sometimes offer drop-in care or preschool programs with flexible hours. For school-age children, the Yonkers Public Schools' ASPIRE program provides before- and after-school care at many elementary schools, which is a popular and cost-effective option. For true flexibility, consider using a reputable nanny-sharing arrangement with another family in your neighborhood or utilizing local babysitting networks advertised through community boards or apps.
Does Yonkers offer any universal pre-kindergarten (UPK) programs, and how do they integrate with full-day childcare needs?
Yes, Yonkers offers a robust Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program for 4-year-olds through the Yonkers Public Schools (YPS) and in partnership with many community-based organizations (CBOs). The UPK program is free and provides 6 hours and 20 minutes of instruction per day, following the school calendar. However, this creates a "wrap-around" care need for working parents, as the UPK day ends around 2:30-3:00 PM. Many UPK sites, especially the CBOs like the YMCA or local daycare centers, offer extended day programs for an additional fee to cover care before and after the UPK hours, effectively providing full-day childcare. It's crucial to apply for UPK through the YPS lottery system (typically in the spring) and simultaneously secure a spot in the extended care program. This combination is one of the most affordable paths to quality early education and care in the city.