Children at daycare

Best Child Daycare & Preschools in Cortland, NY

Compare 21 child daycare & preschools in Cortland. Average rating: 4.4/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.

Cortland, New York at a glance

Programs
21
Avg rating
4.4/5
Parent reviews
86
Top rated (4.5+)
2

Cortland has 21 licensed child daycare & preschools with 86 parent reviews averaging 4.4/5.The highest-rated options cluster around the 13045 zip code, averaging 4.4 stars across 22 programs.Browse all options below to find the right fit for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Cortland

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

  1. 1
    Lime Hollow Nature Center, INC.
    4.56 score
    4.7(20)

    3277 Gracie Road, Cortland, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Lime Hollow Nature Center is a 600-acre nature preserve with well-maintained trails, sculptures, and indoor facilities including a visitor center, gift shop, and bathrooms. Visitors consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff, scenic hiking opportunities suitable for all ages, and family-friendly amenities including accessible track chairs for people with mobility challenges.

    Well-maintained trailsart sculptures throughout grounds600 acres to exploreaccessible track chairs for mobility assistance
  2. 2
    Mcdonald Sports Camp
    4.24 score
    4.3(20)

    4292 Fairgrounds Rd, Cortland, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    McDonald Sports Camp is a multi-purpose sports facility in Cortland, New York, not a traditional daycare center. Reviews consistently praise the variety of amenities including ice skating rinks, soccer fields, hockey facilities, gymnastics areas, batting cages, and weight rooms. Visitors highlight friendly staff, reasonable rental costs, and well-maintained equipment.

    Multiple sports facilitiesfriendly and helpful staffaffordable pricingexcellent ice quality
  3. 3
    Racker
    4.15 score
    4.3(5)

    882 Route 13, Cortland, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    RACKER receives mostly positive feedback praising staff kindness, professionalism, and welcoming environment. However, one reviewer raised serious concerns about lax safety practices, staff inattentiveness, and management issues. Overall ratings are mixed, ranging from 1/5 to 5/5.

    Kind and respectful staffthorough and professional evaluatorsinclusive approach with childrenclean facility
  4. 4
    Ywca Nursery And Day School
    4.08 score
    4.1(20)

    14 Clayton Ave., Cortland, NY · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

    Parents consistently praise YWCA Nursery and Day School for its comprehensive programs, caring staff, and special initiatives like Bridges for Kids. The facility is highlighted as an affordable, community-focused option offering multiple activities including swimming, gymnastics, karate, and field trips. Families appreciate the scholarship availability and personalized support from staff.

    Caring and friendly staffBridges for Kids program with holiday gifts and year-round activitiesswimming lessons and instructionfield trips (zoo)

Rating Distribution

Based on 6 daycares with Google ratings in Cortland

4.5 - 5.0
2
4.0 - 4.4
4
3.0 - 3.9
0
Below 3
0

Daycare Types Compared

Average ratings by facility type in Cortland, based on parent reviews

Child Daycare & Preschools

4.46avg rating
21 daycares · 5 rated

Before or After School Daycare

4.1avg rating
1 daycares · 1 rated

Best Rated Neighborhoods

Cortland zip codes ranked by average daycare rating

Zip CodeDaycaresAvg. RatingTop Rated
1304522
4.4
2

Facility Sizes

Capacity distribution of daycares in Cortland (– children)

Small

up to 30 children

0

Medium

31–75 children

0

Large

76–150 children

0

Very Large

150+ children

0

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Cortland based on parent reviews

Lime Hollow Nature Center, INC.

4.7(20)

3277 Gracie Road, Cortland, NY

Lime Hollow Nature Center is a 600-acre nature preserve with well-maintained trails, sculptures, and indoor facilities including a visitor center, gift shop, and bathrooms. Visitors consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff, scenic hiking opportunities suitable for all ages, and family-friendly amenities including accessible track chairs for people with mobility challenges.

Well-maintained trailsart sculptures throughout grounds600 acres to explore

Mcdonald Sports Camp

4.3(20)

4292 Fairgrounds Rd, Cortland, NY

McDonald Sports Camp is a multi-purpose sports facility in Cortland, New York, not a traditional daycare center. Reviews consistently praise the variety of amenities including ice skating rinks, soccer fields, hockey facilities, gymnastics areas, batting cages, and weight rooms. Visitors highlight friendly staff, reasonable rental costs, and well-maintained equipment.

Multiple sports facilitiesfriendly and helpful staffaffordable pricing

Cortland County Child Development Day Care Program, INC.

5(1)

20 Raymond Avenue, Cortland, NY

One parent describes the staff as very dedicated to families in the area. The single review highlights the positive qualities of the providers without noting any drawbacks.

dedicated staffprovider quality

Racker

4.3(5)

882 Route 13, Cortland, NY

RACKER receives mostly positive feedback praising staff kindness, professionalism, and welcoming environment. However, one reviewer raised serious concerns about lax safety practices, staff inattentiveness, and management issues. Overall ratings are mixed, ranging from 1/5 to 5/5.

Kind and respectful staffthorough and professional evaluatorsinclusive approach with children

Cortland County Child Development Day Care Program, INC.

4

59 Pomeroy Street, Cortland, NY

Map

Daycare types in Cortland

Child Daycare & Preschools 21Before or After School Daycare 1

Browse by type in Cortland

✝️ Christian Daycare 4

Child Daycare & Preschools in Cortland, New York

There are 21 child daycare & preschools in Cortland, New York, making up 95% of the 22 total childcare facilities in the city. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

Based on Google reviews, daycares in Cortland have an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 across 6 rated facilities, with 33% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Child Daycare & Preschools facilities lead with an average of 4.46 stars. Our analysis covers 86 parent reviews.

When choosing a daycare in Cortland, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Child Daycare & Preschools in Cortland

Showing 21 results

Cortland County Child Development Day Care Program, INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent describes the staff as very dedicated to families in the area. The single review highlights the positive qualities of the providers without noting any drawbacks.

dedicated staffprovider quality
Address
20 Raymond Avenue, Cortland, NY
Phone
(607) 758-9325
Lime Hollow Nature Center, INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Lime Hollow Nature Center is a 600-acre nature preserve with well-maintained trails, sculptures, and indoor facilities including a visitor center, gift shop, and bathrooms. Visitors consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff, scenic hiking opportunities suitable for all ages, and family-friendly amenities including accessible track chairs for people with mobility challenges.

Well-maintained trailsart sculptures throughout grounds600 acres to explore
Address
3277 Gracie Road, Cortland, NY
Phone
(607) 662-4632
Mcdonald Sports Camp
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

McDonald Sports Camp is a multi-purpose sports facility in Cortland, New York, not a traditional daycare center. Reviews consistently praise the variety of amenities including ice skating rinks, soccer fields, hockey facilities, gymnastics areas, batting cages, and weight rooms. Visitors highlight friendly staff, reasonable rental costs, and well-maintained equipment.

Multiple sports facilitiesfriendly and helpful staffaffordable pricing
Address
4292 Fairgrounds Rd, Cortland, NY
Phone
(607) 753-8100
Racker
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

RACKER receives mostly positive feedback praising staff kindness, professionalism, and welcoming environment. However, one reviewer raised serious concerns about lax safety practices, staff inattentiveness, and management issues. Overall ratings are mixed, ranging from 1/5 to 5/5.

Kind and respectful staffthorough and professional evaluatorsinclusive approach with children
Address
882 Route 13, Cortland, NY
Phone
(607) 753-9375
Cortland County Child Development Day Care Program, INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4
Address
59 Pomeroy Street, Cortland, NY
Phone
(607) 758-9325
Young Women'S Christian Association Of Cortland County, INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools

The YWCA of Cortland County receives consistently high praise from parents for its comprehensive childcare services, enrichment programs, and supportive staff. Parents highlight the Bridges for Kids program, swimming lessons, and various activities like gymnastics and karate. The facility is noted for offering scholarships and creating a welcoming, caring environment for families.

Bridges for Kids programswimming lessonsgymnastics classes
Address
14 Clayton Ave, Cortland, NY
Phone
(607) 753-9651
Here We Grow Child Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
16 Miller St, Cortland, NY
Phone
(607) 756-6070
Young Women'S Christian Association Of Cortland County, INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
89 Madison Street, Cortland, NY
Phone
(607) 753-9651
Ywca Learning Adventure Child Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
5 Huntington St., Cortland, NY
Phone
(607) 753-6762
Young Women'S Christian Association Of Cortland County, INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
33 Wheeler Ave., Cortland, NY
Phone
(607) 753-9651
Young Women'S Christian Association Of Cortland County,INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
31 Randall St., Cortland, NY
Phone
(607) 753-9651
Cortland County Community Action Program, INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
33 Wheeler Avenue, Cortland, NY
Phone
(607) 758-4175
Cortland County Community Action Program, INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
22 Tompkins Street, Cortland, NY
Phone
(607) 756-8450
Cortland County Community Action Program, INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
31 Randall Street, Cortland, NY
Phone
(607) 758-4170
Cortland County Community Action Program, INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
89 Madison Street, Cortland, NY
Phone
(607) 758-4160
Suny Cortland Child Care Center, INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
0 Education Building Rm 1000, Cortland, NY
Phone
(607) 753-5955
Cortland County Community Action Program, INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
3 Huntington Street, Cortland, NY
Phone
(607) 299-4159
Cortland County Community Actions Program, INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
236 South Main Street, Cortland, NY
Phone
(607) 662-4042
Cortland County Community Action Program, INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
20 Raymond Avenue, Cortland, NY
Phone
(607) 758-4150
Cortland County Community Action Program, INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
279 State Route 13, Cortland, NY
Phone
(607) 423-7373
Cortland County Community Action Program, INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
236a South Main St., Cortland, NY
Phone
(607) 218-6813

Page 1 of 1· 21 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 21 child daycare & preschools daycares in Cortland, New York, out of 22 total childcare facilities in the city. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
Based on parent reviews, daycares in Cortland have an average Google rating of 4.4 out of 5 across 6 rated facilities. About 33% of rated daycares score 4.5 stars or higher.
When choosing a daycare in Cortland, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with New York's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in New York)
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
Cortland offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 21 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 1 facilities
Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.
Daycare costs in New York typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Cortland for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Cortland must be licensed by New York's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.