Licensed Daycare in Staten Island, New York
277 licensed daycares in Staten Island, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official New York licensing records.
Staten Island listings updated August 2026 from official New York records.
Daycare in Staten Island: what parents should know
There are 277 licensed childcare providers on record in Staten Island, with Family Daycare the most common type (about 41% 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, 5 offer preschool programs for ages 3–5.
Licensed care in Staten Island spans 8+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 44% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
Together, licensed providers in Staten Island report capacity for roughly 12,468 children — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Staten Island childcare by the numbers
The Staten Island childcare landscape
Staten Island is New York City's most suburban borough, and its childcare market feels different from the rest of the city — more car-dependent, lower-density, with a sharp split between the North Shore and South Shore. The same free citywide programs apply here as everywhere in NYC.
Free pre-K and 3-K
Staten Island children have full access to Pre-K for All (free for every 4-year-old) and 3-K for All (free for 3-year-olds, available in island districts) through NYC Public Schools — apply via the MySchools portal. Seats sit in both public schools and partner child-care centers.
Subsidies and Head Start
For infants and toddlers, the NYC Administration for Children's Services (ACS) administers vouchers and subsidized EarlyLearn and Head Start seats, concentrated on the more diverse North Shore. Center-based care is permitted by NYC DOHMH; family day care homes by NY State OCFS.
North Shore vs South Shore
The North Shore (St. George, Stapleton, Port Richmond) is denser and more diverse, with more bilingual and subsidized programs; the South Shore (Tottenville, Great Kills, Annadale) is suburban, with larger center-based programs and higher prices. Where you live on the island shapes both options and cost.
Cost and getting around
Staten Island runs below Manhattan and brownstone Brooklyn — full-time infant care commonly lands around $1,600–$2,200/month. Because the borough is car-oriented, parents weigh parking and drive time as much as price; many families also consider providers near the ferry or the expressway.
When to start looking
Apply for Pre-K and 3-K on the winter MySchools cycle. For infant care, tour early and join waitlists; popular South Shore centers fill ahead of the start date.
Childcare costs in Staten Island
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 Staten Island 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
- 45 kids
What will daycare actually cost you in Staten Island?
Estimate your monthly cost by age and program type, then see which subsidies and tax credits you may qualify for.
Program types in Staten Island
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.
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Largest licensed centers in Staten Island
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
No openings near Staten Island? 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 Staten Island? 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 Staten Island licensed centers
Page 1 of 8Each listing links to the full state-record details, including last inspection date if reported.
Quick answers about subsidies, costs, and how to vet a provider in this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Staten Island, New York?
What's the average daycare cost in Staten Island?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Staten Island daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Staten Island?
How do I verify a Staten Island daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Staten Island
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 Staten Island
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Staten Island, 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 277 Licensed Centers in Staten Island
Free, no signup, verified directly with NY Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) — Division of Child Care Services.