Top 7 Best Day Care Centers in New York

Finding the perfect Day Care Center for your child in New York City can be both an exciting and daunting task. With a plethora of options available, it’s crucial to choose a place that aligns with your family’s needs and values. Our guide to the ‘Top 7 Best Day Care Centers in New York’ is designed to help you navigate this important decision with ease.

When evaluating potential Day Care Centers, consider the following services and aspects:

Educational Programs: Curriculum that stimulates cognitive and social development.
Nutritional Meals: Healthy, balanced meals and snacks provided throughout the day.
Safety and Security: Secure facilities with strict safety protocols.
Qualified Staff: Experienced and certified caregivers and educators.
Flexible Hours: Accommodating schedules for working parents.
Enrichment Activities: Programs such as art, music, and physical education.
Parent Communication: Regular updates and open lines of communication with parents.

Choosing the right Day Care Center involves more than just proximity and cost. Consider these essential factors to ensure your child’s happiness and growth in a nurturing environment.

1. Nannies by Noa
2. Little Rays of Sunshine Group Family Daycare
3. A Nanny Match

4. Lightbridge Academy
5. Absolute Best Care Nanny Agency
6. West Harlem Head Start & Family Child Care Network
7. Growing Happy Group Family Day Care

Number of companies

363

Verified reviews

4,70

Average rating

(212)3336411

1. Nannies by Noa

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,6/5

1345 6th Ave 2nd FL, 10105.0, New York

Child care agency

Why we chose them

Nannies by Noa stands out as a premier child care agency in the New York City and Tri-State area, offering specialized nanny and newborn care placement services. This boutique agency meticulously matches qualified and dedicated care providers with families who seek the highest standard of in-home childcare. They emphasize a thoughtful and customized approach, ensuring that each nanny aligns with the family’s values and parenting style, creating a secure and supportive home environment. The agency takes pride in its proven process, which includes a comprehensive consultation to understand the family’s unique needs, followed by connecting them with the best and most dedicated care providers available.

Known for its integrity and exceptional service, the agency has garnered positive testimonials from both families and nannies. Parents appreciate the seamless process and the agency’s dedication to finding the perfect match, while nannies commend the respectful and supportive environment during the job placement process. The agency also offers newborn care services, allowing new parents to transition smoothly into parenthood with skilled support. By focusing solely on nanny placement, the agency ensures its full attention is devoted to sourcing and placing top-notch care providers, raising the industry standard for childcare services in the region.

(646)6698015

2. Little Rays of Sunshine Group Family Daycare

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,8/5

518 W 134th St, 10031.0, New York

Day care center

Why we chose them

Little Rays of Sunshine Group Family Daycare is a nurturing environment committed to fostering the growth and development of children from 3 months to 7 years old. Established in 2014, the daycare offers a bilingual program in English and Spanish, focusing on the holistic development of each child. Their mission is to provide a loving, safe, and fun atmosphere where children can learn at their own pace. The daycare emphasizes social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth, ensuring parents have peace of mind knowing their child is receiving professional care. With dedicated staff and a variety of enriching activities, including music, arts and crafts, dramatic play, and outdoor activities, the daycare creates a vibrant community for young learners.

Children at the daycare benefit from a well-rounded curriculum that includes free play, group play, and story time, encouraging creativity and imagination. They also offer after-school pickup services for children aged 5 to 7, providing a seamless transition from school to daycare. Meals are prepared following the New York City Food Program guidelines, promoting healthy eating habits in a family-style setting. The daycare’s commitment to quality care and education is reflected in the positive testimonials from parents, praising the staff’s loving, caring, and creative approach. This focus on early learning and a supportive community makes the daycare a standout choice for families seeking a comprehensive childcare solution.

(917)7700142

3. A Nanny Match

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,9/5

26 Broadway, 10004.0, New York

Child care agency

Why we chose them

A Nanny Match, established in 2015, is a distinguished childcare agency based in New York, specializing in personalized placements. The company excels in connecting families with nannies, newborn care specialists, and domestic staff across major US cities and internationally in Italy. Their unique, thoughtful matchmaking process ensures compatibility and safety, fostering lasting relationships between families and caregivers. With a vast network of exceptional candidates, they prioritize a thorough selection process, tailoring matches to meet the specific needs and personalities of both families and nannies.

Renowned as one of the premier nanny agencies in NYC, A Nanny Match is celebrated for its dedication and attention to detail. Their success lies in their ability to understand and cater to the precise needs of their clients, resulting in truly compatible and meaningful placements. By offering a personalized, one-to-one matchmaking experience, they stand out as a leader in the industry, providing peace of mind to families seeking reliable childcare solutions. Testimonials from satisfied clients highlight the agency’s commitment to excellence, making it a trusted choice for families navigating the challenges of finding the ideal caregiver.

(212)2475300

4. Lightbridge Academy

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,7/5

602 W 57th St, 10019.0, New York

Day care center

Why we chose them

Lightbridge Academy offers a comprehensive range of child care services, including programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and pre-kindergarten children. Their offerings extend beyond traditional care with a summer camp and back-up care options, making them a versatile choice for families in Midtown Manhattan. Known as “The Solution for Working Families®,” they pride themselves on being a supportive extension of each child’s family, focusing on nurturing the whole child through play-based learning. The center is led by Faith Pierro, an experienced educator dedicated to early childhood education, who emphasizes the importance of social and emotional development during these formative years.

This center is the first in Manhattan, owned by franchisees Mihir Daiya and Vinay Bhimjiani, who are deeply committed to early childhood education. They also operate another successful location in Hoboken-Marshall, showcasing their dedication and expertise in the field. Lightbridge Academy stands out for its commitment to effective communication with parents through a specialized eCommunication app, ensuring parents are continually informed about their child’s progress. This aligns with their philosophy of maintaining a nurturing, safe, and exciting environment for learning, making them a valuable addition to our company directory.

(212)4815705

5. Absolute Best Care Nanny Agency

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,3/5

110 Wall St 2nd Flr, 10005.0, New York

Child care agency
Day care center
Employment agency

Why we chose them

Absolute Best Care Nanny Agency is a premier full-service agency dedicated to connecting families with the highest quality caregivers. Specializing in placing Baby Nurses, Nannies, Housekeepers, and Babysitters, the agency provides both live-in and live-out, full-time and part-time options. With a reputation for simplifying the hiring process, Absolute Best Care has earned the trust of over 10,000 families, making it an award-winning choice in childcare services. Featured in prominent media outlets like Eyewitness News ABC and CBS Marketwatch, the agency is recognized as the “Best of the Best” by New York Magazine.

The agency offers a streamlined process that ensures families receive personalized matches tailored to their needs. With an emphasis on quality and reliability, Absolute Best Care has become a trusted partner for many, as evidenced by glowing testimonials from satisfied clients. The agency provides online training for nannies and offers detailed applications for Baby Nurses and Housekeepers, ensuring that every caregiver is well-prepared and qualified. With offices across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, Absolute Best Care stands as a leader in the childcare industry, committed to delivering exceptional service and peace of mind to families.

(212)6657586ext.1032

6. West Harlem Head Start & Family Child Care Network

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,7/5

121 W 128th St, 10027.0, New York

Head start center
Family day care service

Why we chose them

West Harlem Head Start & Family Child Care Network is a dedicated organization offering comprehensive educational and family support services to children aged 6 weeks to 4 years. With a focus on school readiness skills, they provide nurturing and supportive environments through their Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The organization is committed to fostering the creative and intellectual development of young learners, incorporating enriching programs like Bilingual Birdies, which introduces Spanish through music and movement, and Studio in a School, which integrates visual arts into teaching.

Parents appreciate the genuine interest the educators take in their children’s futures, creating a secure and engaging environment. The network also offers family day care services, ensuring that families find the right care solutions tailored to their needs. By continually building up the next generation of learners, the organization exemplifies its mission of providing high-quality services to children and families, as reflected in their enthusiastic community testimonials and ongoing commitment to educational excellence.

(646)8084717

7. Growing Happy Group Family Day Care

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,9/5

330 Wadsworth Ave #1b, 10040.0, New York

Day care center

Why we chose them

Growing Happy Group Family Day Care is a standout choice in our directory due to its commitment to providing a nurturing and engaging environment for children. This day care center focuses on creating a safe and stimulating space where young minds can thrive and explore. Known for their attentive care and personalized approach, they ensure each child receives the support and attention they need to grow and develop in a joyful setting.

Their services cater to families seeking a reliable and enriching day care experience. By emphasizing both fun and learning, they foster a balanced atmosphere that encourages curiosity and creativity. This dedication to excellence in child care makes them a valuable addition to our directory, highlighting their role in supporting family needs and enhancing early childhood education.

FAQs

What services do day care centers in New York typically offer?

Day care centers in New York often provide educational programs, nutritional meals, safety and security measures, qualified staff, flexible hours, enrichment activities like art and music, and regular communication with parents.

How much does day care cost in New York on average?

The average cost for day care services in New York ranges from €1,000 to €2,500 per month, depending on the center's location, services offered, and the age of the child.

What should I consider when choosing a day care center?

Consider factors such as educational programs, safety protocols, staff qualifications, meal provisions, schedule flexibility, and the center's communication with parents to ensure it aligns with your family’s needs.

How can I assess the quality of a day care center's educational program?

Assess the curriculum by looking for structured activities that promote cognitive and social development, as well as opportunities for play and creativity. Inquire about the qualifications of the educators and their teaching methods.

What are the typical hours of operation for day care centers in New York?

Most day care centers in New York operate from early morning, around 7:00 AM, to early evening, around 6:00 PM. Some offer extended hours or flexible scheduling to accommodate working parents.

What safety measures should a good day care center have in place?

A good day care center should have secure entry systems, regularly updated safety protocols, trained staff for emergency situations, and a clean, child-friendly environment.

Are meals provided at day care centers, and what is typically included?

Yes, many day care centers provide meals and snacks throughout the day. These usually include a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains, tailored to children’s nutritional needs.

How important is parent communication in a day care setting?

Parent communication is crucial. Good day care centers offer regular updates on your child's progress, daily reports, and maintain open lines of communication for any concerns or questions you may have.