ZIP code 12304 has 30 licensed childcare providers registered with NY state authorities — infant care, toddler programs, preschools, and school-age centers. All listings are sourced from official state licensing databases with active permits.

When comparing daycare centers near 12304, focus on: staff-to-child ratio, curriculum approach, safety inspection history, and whether the center accepts CCAP subsidies. Use our 30-point tour checklist before making a decision.

How to Choose Daycare Near 12304

Define your needs — age of child, full-time vs part-time, budget, schedule
Search and shortlist — all 30 licensed centers near 12304 are listed above
Call ahead — confirm openings, subsidy acceptance, and tour availability
Tour at least 3 centers — use our 30-point checklist
Verify license status — confirm on NY's official licensing portal

Related Resources

All Centers in NY → Childcare Subsidies → Tour Checklist (30 Q) → Cost Calculator → Safety Guide → Search All Centers →

Frequently Asked Questions — Daycare Near 12304

How many daycare centers are near ZIP code 12304?

There are 30 licensed childcare centers in and around ZIP 12304 in Schenectady, NY. All hold active state licenses sourced from official NY licensing databases.

What is the average cost of daycare near 12304?

Daycare costs near 12304 in NY: infant care $900–$1,800/month; toddler programs $700–$1,200/month; preschool $600–$1,100/month. CCAP subsidies can reduce costs by 50–90% for eligible families.

Are the daycare centers near 12304 licensed?

Yes — all 30 centers listed for ZIP 12304 hold active NY childcare licenses, sourced directly from the official state licensing database.

Does NY offer childcare subsidies near 12304?

NY participates in the federal CCDF program. Families near 12304 may qualify for CCAP assistance based on income. Visit childcare.gov or your local social services office to apply.

What age groups are served by daycares near 12304?

Centers near 12304 serve: infants (0–12 mo) — 0 centers; toddlers (1–3 yrs); preschool (3–5 yrs) — 3 programs; school-age (5+). Call ahead to confirm openings.

How do I choose the best daycare near 12304?

Visit at least 3 centers near 12304, check staff ratios, safety features, and curriculum. Use our free 30-point checklist at /checklist before enrolling.

What is the staff-to-child ratio at daycares near 12304?

NY requires: 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, 1:10 for preschoolers. Always confirm the current ratio before enrolling at any center near 12304.

Are there Head Start programs near ZIP 12304?

Head Start offers free federally-funded programs for income-eligible families. Search 'Head Start' in our directory for 12304 or visit headstart.gov.

Can I tour a daycare near 12304 before enrolling?

Yes — and you should. Call ahead to schedule a tour at any center near 12304. Use our 30-point checklist at /checklist to evaluate each facility.

What documents do I need to enroll in daycare near 12304?

Typical requirements: birth certificate, immunization records, emergency contacts, custody docs if applicable, and proof of income for subsidies. Confirm with each center near 12304.

Nothing available near 12304?

Availability changes fast. Check the ZIP codes next to 12304 — a licensed center nearby may have an opening this month.

Browse nearby ZIP codes →

Last updated: August 25, 2026 · Sourced from NY official childcare licensing database · Privacy Policy

Helpful resources for parents choosing childcare

Aug 14, 2026

Daycare Supply Checklist 2026: What to Pack, by Age

A complete daycare packing list for infants, toddlers and preschoolers: what to bring, how to label every item so it comes home, what centers ask you not to send, and what a starter set actually costs.

May 20, 2026

What to Pack for Daycare: The Complete Checklist by Age (2026)

A half-packed daycare bag means a 7am call to come back. This age-by-age checklist — infant, toddler, preschool — covers exactly what to bring, what to label, and what most parents forget.

May 20, 2026

Daycare Sick Policy: When to Keep Your Child Home (2026 Guide)

Fever? Green snot? One loose stool? Daycare sick policies confuse every new parent. Here are the standard exclusion rules most US centers follow — based on CDC and AAP guidance — and exactly when your child can return.

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Childcare Guides for Parents

Childcare Subsidy Programs by State: 2026 Complete Guide

Read guide →

Childcare Tax Credits and FSA: How to Save Up to $8,000 a Year

Read guide →

Daycare Safety Checklist: What to Look For Before You Enroll

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How to Choose a Daycare Center: Complete Guide for Parents

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Where to get childcare help in Schenectady (12304)

Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.

Local CCR&R agency

Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.

1-800-424-2246 · Find yours

Dial 2-1-1

United Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.

Call 211 · 211.org

Head Start (free)

Free early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.

Find a program

State subsidy

NY Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.

(800) 345-5437 · How to apply

Quality ratings

Check NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.

Find quality care

Verify a license

Confirm any provider's current license & inspection record with NY Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) — Division of Child Care Services.

Official license search

Childcare resources

Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.

.gov childcare.gov

Office of Child Care — childcare.gov

Federal subsidy & CCDF program info

.gov www.acf.hhs.gov

HHS Administration for Children & Families

Child Care & Development Fund oversight

.gov eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov

Head Start Center Locator (HHS)

Free programs for income-eligible families

www.childcareaware.org

ChildCare Aware of America

Annual cost reports & state data

childcaredeserts.org

Child Care Deserts (Center for American Progress)

Local supply-vs-demand research by county

How this data is sourced. Listings for ZIP 12304 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

Daycare Centers Near ZIP 12304

30 Licensed Centers Near 12304

Programs Near 12304 by Age Group

Infant Care

Toddler

Preschool

School-Age

Childcare Subsidies Near 12304

Estimate Your Childcare Cost Near 12304

Found a center in 12304? Here is what to pack

What to pack for the first day

Finding Daycare Near ZIP 12304 in Schenectady, NY

How to Choose Daycare Near 12304

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions — Daycare Near 12304

Nothing available near 12304?

Related Articles

Daycare Supply Checklist 2026: What to Pack, by Age

What to Pack for Daycare: The Complete Checklist by Age (2026)

Daycare Sick Policy: When to Keep Your Child Home (2026 Guide)

Childcare Guides for Parents

Where to get childcare help in Schenectady (12304)

Childcare resources