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Chester parent guide1 provider

Daycare Centers in Chester, NY

Compare 1 daycare programs in Chester, Orange County. Use licensing context, Google reviews where available, and provider details to decide which programs to contact.

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Before you call

How to compare daycare programs in Chester

Daily schedule

Ask about drop-off, pickup, naps, meals, outdoor time, and how the day is structured.

Age fit

Confirm the ages served, current openings, classroom groupings, and transition plans.

Records and visits

Review licensing context where available, then visit or call before making a final decision.

Local listings

Compare daycare programs in Chester

1 listing
Little Scholars
Little ScholarsGoogle listing
4.4★13 reviews
Licensed ✓

This Chester daycare provider has 13 Google reviews averaging 4.4 stars. State records list license 170822. A public website is listed at littlescholarsschool.com.

(845) 469-4403
WebsiteIs this your business?

Childcare Licensing in Chester

NY Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) — Orange County
(845) 291-2800|Official Website
Licensing typically required. Most daycare providers in Chester must be licensed by the state. Verify that any provider you consider holds a current, valid license before enrolling your child.

All childcare providers in Orange County must be licensed or registered through NY OCFS. Licensing types include Day Care Center, Group Family Day Care, Family Day Care, and School-Age Child Care. Providers must pass background checks, health and safety inspections, maintain CPR/First Aid certification, and meet minimum staff-to-child ratios. Orange County Child Care Council at (845) 294-4012 provides referral services. Nanny agencies and private tutors are not required to hold state licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

1How much does daycare cost in Chester?
Daycare in Chester typically costs $1200-$2400 per month. Infant care costs 20-40% more than toddler/preschool rates. Many centers offer sibling discounts of 10-15% and multi-day discounts for full-week enrollment. Infant rooms cost 20-40% more than toddler or preschool rooms because state ratios require more staff — NY requires 1 caregiver for every 4 infants, compared to 1:7 for preschool-age children.
2What are the staff-to-child ratios at daycare centers in Chester?
New York state law (enforced by OCFS) sets these minimum ratios for licensed daycare centers: 1 caregiver per 4 infants (6 weeks–18 months), 1 per 5 toddlers (18–36 months), 1 per 7 three-year-olds, 1 per 8 four-year-olds, and 1 per 9 five-year-olds. In Chester, many quality centers exceed these minimums, especially in infant rooms. Always ask about ratios during your tour.
3How do I choose a good daycare in Chester?
Visit in person during operating hours to observe the environment and how staff interact with children. Check that the center is licensed by NY OCFS (ocfs.ny.gov) and ask to see the current license posted at the entrance. Confirm actual staff-to-child ratios, ask about staff turnover and training requirements, and request references from current parents. Look for age-appropriate activities, clean facilities, and a structured daily schedule.
4What age can my child start daycare in Chester?
Most Chester daycare centers accept infants starting at 6 weeks old, though some begin at 3 months. Infant rooms have the lowest ratios and highest costs. Many parents find that starting between 3-6 months works well for their family's schedule and the child's developmental readiness.
5How do I verify a daycare's license in Chester?
Search the NY OCFS Child Care Facility database at ocfs.ny.gov to confirm a center is currently licensed and review any inspection history or violations. Licensed Chester daycare centers are required to display their current license on the premises. A valid license confirms the center meets state health, safety, and staffing standards. Call OCFS at 1-800-732-5207 if you have specific compliance questions.

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