Children at daycare

Best Headstart Programs in Syracuse, NY

Compare 5 headstart programs in Syracuse. Average rating: 4.25/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.

Syracuse, New York at a glance

Programs
5
Avg rating
4.25/5
Parent reviews
281
Top rated (4.5+)
12

Syracuse has 5 licensed headstart programs with 281 parent reviews averaging 4.25/5.12 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 40% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around the 13214 zip code, averaging 4.65 stars across 5 programs.Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Syracuse

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
    Jowonio School, INC.
    4.64 score
    4.8(20)

    3049 East Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Parents consistently praise Jowonio School for its highly trained, caring staff and nurturing environment where children thrive developmentally and emotionally. Multiple reviewers express deep satisfaction with the school's quality and note that former students have returned as teachers, reflecting the positive culture. All reviews are 5-star ratings highlighting the school as an exceptional choice for early childhood education.

    Highly trained and sensitive staffchild development and happinesslow teacher-to-student ratios (5 per classroom)caring and supportive environment
  2. 2
    Jewish Community Center Early Childhood Development Program
    4.56 score
    4.7(20)

    5655 Thompson Rd, Syracuse, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Parents praise the Jewish Community Center as an excellent facility with friendly, well-trained staff and a welcoming environment. Reviews highlight quality programming including fitness classes, summer camp, swim lessons, and activities for children of various ages. Members report feeling safe, engaged, and satisfied with their overall experience.

    Organized and friendly staffclean facilityquality instruction and personal trainingindividualized classes for younger children
  3. 3
    Temple Adath Rothschild Early Childhood Center
    4.44 score
    4.8(6)

    450 Kimber Rd, Syracuse, NY · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

    Parents praise Temple Adath Rothschild Early Childhood Center for its caring and loving teachers, clean and well-organized classrooms, and family-centered approach. The facility features outdoor natural surroundings and spacious indoor play areas. One parent raised concerns about lack of handicapped accessibility.

    caring and loving teachersclean classroomswell-organized environmentfamily-focused
  4. 4
    The Growing Place Child Care Center
    4.33 score
    4.6(6)

    3800 E Genesee St, Syracuse, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    The Growing Place receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its child-centered approach, caring staff, and safe learning environment. Parents report significant developmental progress in their children and appreciate the facility's accessibility for specialized services. One reviewer expressed concerns about the facility's physical condition and cleanliness.

    Excellent and safety-conscious staffchild-centered approachstrong academic and social-emotional developmentage-appropriate programs
  5. 5
    Learn As You Grow Child Care Center
    4.24 score
    4.3(20)

    120 North Orchard Road, Syracuse, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Parents consistently praise Learn As You Grow Child Care Center (now operating as BrightPath) for its caring, professional staff who treat children like their own. The facility is described as clean, safe, and well-organized with curriculum-based learning that supports child development. Parents report feeling confident and at ease leaving their children in this nurturing environment.

    Warm and caring staffclean facilitydevelopmental curriculumfrequent parent communication with photos and updates
  6. 6
    Atonement Lutheran Church Day Care Center
    4.16 score
    4.3(6)

    116 W. Glen Ave., Syracuse, NY · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

    Parents praise Atonement Lutheran Church Day Care Center for its welcoming, family-oriented community atmosphere and strong pastoral leadership. Reviewers highlight the church's inclusive values and appreciation for community involvement, including volunteer opportunities for teenagers. One negative review was too vague to extract specific concerns.

    welcoming communitymakes families feel knownstrong pastoral leadershipvolunteer opportunities for teens
  7. 7
    The Evangelical Lutheran Church Of The Atonement
    4.16 score
    4.3(6)

    116 West Glen Ave, Syracuse, NY · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

    This religious facility receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from community members and families. Reviewers praise the welcoming atmosphere, caring leadership, and sense of belonging. The facility appears to foster strong community connections and provides volunteer opportunities for youth.

    Welcoming and inclusive environmentcaring pastoral leadershipstrong sense of communityvolunteer opportunities for teenagers
  8. 8
    Ymca Of Greater Syracuse And Onondaga County
    4.16 score
    4.2(20)

    4585 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    These reviews are not about the daycare center listed. All reviews describe the YMCA fitness facility, praising its cleanliness, equipment, and staff friendliness. No actual daycare reviews are present.

    Clean facilityfriendly and helpful staffreasonable membership feeswell-equipped gym with track and exercise rooms
  9. 9
    Accesscny, INC.
    4.08 score
    4.1(20)

    1603 Court Street, Syracuse, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    AccessCNY is a nonprofit organization that provides care and support services for individuals with disabilities and elderly community members. Reviews consistently praise the professionalism, compassion, and helpfulness of staff who treat clients and their families with respect and dignity. Parents and caregivers report long-term positive experiences and appreciation for the organization's community engagement.

    Professional staffcompassionate carehelpful and friendly personnelgood employee benefits
  10. 10
    Contact Community Services, INC.
    3.85 score
    3.7(5)

    2400 Grant Blvd, Syracuse, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Contact Community Services, Inc. receives mixed reviews. Positive feedback highlights their community work and helpful staff, while negative reviews cite disorganization, outdated information, and restrictive visitor policies that made families feel unwelcome.

    Community services and resourceshelpful staff24-hour helpline and 211 call center services

Rating Distribution

Based on 30 daycares with Google ratings in Syracuse

4.5 - 5.0
12
4.0 - 4.4
8
3.0 - 3.9
10
Below 3
0

What Parents Value Most

Top qualities mentioned across 281 reviews, analyzed by AI

1Safe environment
5
2Welcoming atmosphere
4
3Clean facility
3

Daycare Types Compared

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

Child Daycare & Preschools

4.23avg rating
49 daycares · 26 rated

Headstart Programs

4avg rating
5 daycares · 1 rated

Church Daycare

4.47avg rating
4 daycares · 3 rated

Best Rated Neighborhoods

Syracuse zip codes ranked by average daycare rating

Zip CodeDaycaresAvg. RatingTop Rated
132145
4.65
2
132035
4.43
2
132155
3.95
0
132046
3.7
0
132026
3.35
0

Facility Sizes

Capacity distribution of daycares in Syracuse (– 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 Syracuse based on parent reviews

P.E.A.C.E., INC. Sumner School Head Start Program

4(3)

215 Bassett St., Syracuse, NY

One parent highlights the program as a great place for infants and toddlers to learn, while another notes that both their children attended from ages 1 to 5 and appreciated the caring teachers. Conversely, a single negative experience cites rude and unhelpful behavior from staff on the phone.

great place for infants and toddlerscaring teacherseducational value

Map

Daycare types in Syracuse

Child Daycare & Preschools 49Headstart Programs 5Church Daycare 4

Browse by type in Syracuse

🎒 After School Programs 3

Headstart Programs in Syracuse, New York

There are 5 headstart programs in Syracuse, New York, making up 9% of the 58 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 Syracuse have an average rating of 4.25 out of 5 across 30 rated facilities, with 40% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Church Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.47 stars. Our analysis covers 281 parent reviews. Parents in Syracuse most frequently praise daycares for safe environment, welcoming atmosphere, and clean facility.

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

All Headstart Programs in Syracuse

Showing 5 results

P.E.A.C.E., INC. Sumner School Head Start Program
Headstart Programs
4

One parent highlights the program as a great place for infants and toddlers to learn, while another notes that both their children attended from ages 1 to 5 and appreciated the caring teachers. Conversely, a single negative experience cites rude and unhelpful behavior from staff on the phone.

great place for infants and toddlerscaring teacherseducational value
Address
215 Bassett St., Syracuse, NY
Phone
(315) 470-3346
P.E.A.C.E., INC. Merrick School Head Start Program
Headstart Programs

One parent describes a highly positive experience with staff members named Diamond and Mr. Dale, noting their son's strong attachment to the program and bus driver. Another review offers a brief, positive historical account from a grandparent regarding triplets attending the facility 17 years ago.

Staff kindnessstrong student attachment to specific staffpositive historical experience
Address
175 Hudson St., Syracuse, NY
Phone
(315) 470-3349
P.E.A.C.E., INC. St. Brigid'S School Head Start Program
Headstart Programs
Address
810 Willis Ave., Syracuse, NY
Phone
(315) 488-0987
P.E.A.C.E., INC. Uumc Early Head Start
Headstart Programs
Address
324 University Avenue, Syracuse, NY
Phone
(315) 214-2880
P.E.A.C.E., INC. - James Street Head Start
Headstart Programs

P.E.A.C.E., INC. - James Street Head Start receives mostly positive feedback from parents. Parents consistently praise the staff's dedication and their children's enjoyment of the program. Most reviewers highlight the quality of teachers and the welcoming environment.

Great staffpassionate teacherschildren love attending
Address
1507 James Street, Syracuse, NY
Phone
(315) 299-4390

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Frequently asked questions

There are 5 headstart programs daycares in Syracuse, New York, out of 58 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 Syracuse have an average Google rating of 4.25 out of 5 across 30 rated facilities. About 40% of rated daycares score 4.5 stars or higher.
When choosing a daycare in Syracuse, 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
Syracuse offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 49 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 5 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 4 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 Syracuse for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Syracuse 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.