How do I choose the right daycare in Ithaca?

When choosing a daycare in Ithaca, 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

What types of daycare are available in Ithaca?

Ithaca offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 24 facilities Church Daycare — 2 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.

Child Daycare & Preschools in Ithaca, New York (24 Results)

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 Ithaca for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Ithaca

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.

Community Nursery Of Cayuga Heights, INC.

4.77 score

5(17)

309 Highland Road, Ithaca, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Community Nursery School receives universal praise from parents who appreciate the warm, nurturing environment and dedicated teachers. Parents consistently report that their children are excited and happy to attend, with strong emphasis on community building, parental involvement, and child development. The school fosters creativity, social growth, and provides a family-like atmosphere.

Warm and supportive communityexperienced and kind teachersbeautiful playgroundindoor bike room

Ithaca Montessori School

4.71 score

5(12)

12 Ascot Place, Ithaca, NY · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

Ithaca Montessori School receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who consistently praise the caring, skilled teachers and warm classroom environment. Parents report their children feel supported, safe, and are thriving under the Montessori curriculum and approach to individualized learning and growth.

Caring and skilled teacherssafe and spacious classroomschild-centered learning approachstrong Montessori curriculum

Coddington Road Community Center, INC.

4.66 score

4.9(14)

920 Coddington Rd, Ithaca, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Parents highly praise Coddington Road Community Center for its excellent staff, engaging activities, and outdoor-focused programming. The facility offers well-regarded preschool, after-school care, and summer camp programs at reasonable prices, with children consistently returning home happy and tired from active play.

Caring and attentive teachersoutdoor activities and screen-free timewell-organized events and programmingreasonable prices

Coddington Road Community Center, INC.

4.66 score

4.9(14)

920 Coddington Rd., Ithaca, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Parents consistently praise Coddington Road Community Center for its excellent staff, engaging outdoor activities, and well-organized programs including preschool, after-school care, and summer camp. Children are reported to be happy, active, and well-supervised with ample outdoor time and screen-free activities.

Friendly and caring teachersoutdoor activities and nature exposureengaging events and programmingreasonable prices

Trinity Lutheran Church

4.62 score

4.9(11)

149 Honness Lane, Ithaca, NY · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

Trinity Lutheran Church in Ithaca operates a highly-regarded preschool and afterschool program that parents praise for its experienced educators, family-like atmosphere, and well-rounded activities. The facility is part of a larger Lutheran church community known for its strong faith-based instruction and welcoming environment. All reviews are positive with parents reporting their children thrived academically and socially.

experienced and caring educatorssmall fam

Southside Community Center

4.56 score

4.7(20)

305 South Plain Street, Ithaca, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Southside Community Center is highly praised as a welcoming, inclusive community space that serves families in Ithaca. Parents highlight the center's diverse programming, caring staff, clean facilities, and additional services like pet clinics and food pantries. The facility is valued as an important community asset that promotes learning, unity, and respect.

welcoming and inclusive environmentcaring staffclean facilitiesdiverse programs and activities

Varna Community Association, INC.

4.51 score

4.8(9)

943 Dryden Road, Ithaca, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Parents consistently praise VARNA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. for its clean, safe environment and caring staff. The facility is highlighted for its excellent playground suitable for toddlers and popular community pancake breakfast events. The center also provides community support through a mutual aid food cabinet.

Safe environmentclean facilityfriendly staffexcellent playground for young children

Temple Beth-El Of Ithaca, New York. INC.

4.5 score

5(5)

402 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

Temple Beth-El of Ithaca is a religious facility that receives consistently positive feedback. Parents praise the welcoming and friendly community atmosphere, including the rabbi and other members. The temple is noted for its beautiful physical space and warm, inclusive environment.

welcoming communityfriendly rabbiwarm membersbeautiful temple

Greater Ithaca Activities C.-Sacc

4.42 score

4.6(12)

318 North Albany St., Ithaca, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Parents praise Greater Ithaca Activities C.-SACC as an amazing community program with friendly staff and engaging activities for children ages 5 and older. Reviews consistently highlight the variety of fun and educational programs, welcoming atmosphere, and positive impact on families in the community.

friendly stafffun activitieseducational programssuitable for multiple age groups

Ithaca Community Child Care Center

4.16 score

4.3(6)

579 Warren Rd, Ithaca, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Ithaca Community Child Care Center receives mixed reviews with most parents praising the facility's staff quality, educational approach, and community support, though two parents reported serious concerns about staff handling of a child with autism. The center is noted for long operating hours, meal provision, and low teacher-to-child ratios.

Highly trained and compassionate teachers with long tenurelow teacher-to-child ratiosmeals providedextended hours (7:30 AM - 5:30 PM)

Child Daycare & Preschools in Ithaca, New York

There are 24 child daycare & preschools in Ithaca, New York, making up 89% of the 27 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 Ithaca, 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 24 child daycare & preschools daycares in Ithaca, New York, out of 27 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 Ithaca, 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

Ithaca offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 24 facilities
Church Daycare — 2 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 Ithaca for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Ithaca 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.

24 Child Daycare & Preschools in Ithaca, New York

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Ithaca

Top Rated

Community Nursery Of Cayuga Heights, INC.

Coddington Road Community Center, INC.

Coddington Road Community Center, INC.

Southside Community Center

Varna Community Association, INC.

Greater Ithaca Activities C.-Sacc

Map

Daycare types in Ithaca

Browse by type in Ithaca