How do I choose the right daycare in Cortland?

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

Child Daycare & Preschools in Cortland, New York (21 Results)

Q: What types of daycare are available in Cortland?

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.

Q: What is the average cost of daycare in New York?

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.

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.

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

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

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

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

21 Child Daycare & Preschools in Cortland, New York

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Cortland

Top Rated

Lime Hollow Nature Center, INC.

Mcdonald Sports Camp

Cortland County Child Development Day Care Program, INC.

Racker

Cortland County Child Development Day Care Program, INC.

Map

Daycare types in Cortland

Browse by type in Cortland