Licensed Daycare in Amherst, New York
23 licensed daycares in Amherst, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official New York licensing records.
Amherst listings updated August 2026 from official New York records.
Daycare in Amherst: what parents should know
Amherst has 23 licensed childcare providers in our directory, with Dcc the most common type (about 35% of local listings). Every provider here holds a current New York license at indexing time, sourced from NY Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) — Division of Child Care Services.
For age coverage, 10 centers in Amherst report infant care (roughly 43% — infant slots are the scarcest and fill fastest, so start early), and 15 offer preschool programs for ages 3–5.
Licensed care in Amherst spans 4+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 4% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
Combined, Amherst's licensed centers hold about 1,500 licensed seats — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Amherst childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Amherst
ChildCare Aware reports the New York average full-time cost at $2,050/month for infant care and $1,430/month for preschool. City-level prices in Amherst vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.
The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. New York families may also qualify for NY Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) (intake: (800) 345-5437).
Full New York licensing & cost overviewQuick facts
- State regulator
- NY Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) — Division of Child Care Services
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:5
- Preschool ratio
- 1:9
- Avg capacity
- 65 kids
What will daycare actually cost you in Amherst?
Estimate your monthly cost by age and program type, then see which subsidies and tax credits you may qualify for.
Program types in Amherst
What to pack for the first day
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Dishwasher-safe ones survive daily bottle washing; paper labels peel within a week.
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Ask the center first — many supply cots but require your own fitted sheet.
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Two full changes per day for potty-training age, one for older kids.
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Most centers ask for one clearly named bottle a child can open alone.
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Needed if the center does not provide meals; look for one that fits an ice pack.
Browse options on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices are the same for you. Full list by age in our daycare supply checklist.
Largest licensed centers in Amherst
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
No openings near Amherst? Widen the search
Waitlists are normal in high-demand areas. Centers one ZIP code over often have space, and part-time or in-home options may open sooner — start by checking nearby ZIP codes.
Found a center in Amherst? Here is what to pack
Bottles, name labels, nap bedding and spare clothes — our checklist by age covers what centers ask you to bring, and what they ask you not to send.
All Amherst licensed centers
Page 1 of 1Tap any card to view the full listing including the state license number, capacity, and inspection history when available.
Quick answers about subsidies, costs, and how to vet a provider in this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Amherst, New York?
What's the average daycare cost in Amherst?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Amherst daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Amherst?
How do I verify a Amherst daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Amherst
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programNY Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(800) 345-5437 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with NY Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) — Division of Child Care Services.
Official license searchChildcare resources for Amherst
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Amherst, New York are compiled from official NY Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) — Division of Child Care Services licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · August 2026 · methodology
Search 23 Licensed Centers in Amherst
Free, no signup, verified directly with NY Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) — Division of Child Care Services.