Darien parent guide5 providers

Daycare Centers in Darien, NY

Compare 5 daycare programs in Darien, Westchester County. Use state licensing records, Google reviews where available, and provider details to decide which programs to contact.

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How to compare daycare programs in Darien

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 license details where available, then visit or call before making a final decision.

Local listings

Compare daycare programs in Darien

5 listings

ST LUKE'S PARISH SCHOOLGoogle listing

5.0★1 reviews

Licensed ✓

ST LUKE'S PARISH SCHOOL in Darien has 1 Google review averaging 5.0 stars. License DCCC.13245 is on file. Focus areas include infant and toddler care. Located in Darien.

Infant and toddler care

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THE GODDARD SCHOOLGoogle listing

5.0★4 reviews

Licensed ✓

THE GODDARD SCHOOL in Darien has 4 Google reviews averaging 5.0 stars. License DCCC.70855 is on file. Focus areas include infant and toddler care. Located in Darien.

Infant and toddler care

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HOLLY POND SCHOOL

Licensed ✓

HOLLY POND SCHOOL is a licensed child care center in DARIEN, CT with a capacity of 166 children. Accepts ages 2 years to 11 years. License verified and active through 2028.

Infant and toddler care

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DARIEN NATURE CENTER

Licensed ✓

License DCCC.70261 is on file. Focus areas include infant and toddler care. Located in Darien.

Infant and toddler care

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NOROTON PRESBYTERIAN CHILD CAREGoogle listing

Licensed ✓

License DCCC.16373 is on file. Focus areas include infant and toddler care. Located in Darien.

Infant and toddler care

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Childcare Licensing in Darien

CT Office of Early Childhood (OEC) — Licensing Division

(860) 500-4412|Official Website

Licensing typically required. Most daycare providers in Darien 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 Fairfield County must be licensed by the CT Office of Early Childhood (OEC). Licensing types include Child Care Center, Group Child Care Home, and Family Child Care Home. Requirements include OEC licensing application, background checks (state and federal), health inspection, fire marshal approval, CPR/First Aid certification, and compliance with CT Early Learning and Development Standards. Verify any provider's license at elicense.ct.gov. Nanny agencies and private tutors are not required to hold state licenses in Connecticut.

Frequently Asked Questions

1How much does daycare cost in Darien?

Daycare in Darien 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 Darien?

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 Darien, 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 Darien?

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 Darien?

Most Darien 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 Darien?

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 Darien 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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