Licensed Daycare in Ithaca, New York
43 licensed daycares in Ithaca, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official New York licensing records.
Ithaca listings updated May 2026 from official New York records.
Daycare in Ithaca: what parents should know
Ithaca has 43 licensed childcare providers in our directory, with School-Age Care the most common type (about 21% 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 Ithaca report infant care (roughly 23% — infant slots are the scarcest and fill fastest, so start early), and 13 offer preschool programs for ages 3–5.
About 21% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
In total, Ithaca providers are approved for approximately 2,402 child slots — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Ithaca childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Ithaca
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 Ithaca 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
- 55 kids
ZIP codes covered
Program types in Ithaca
Largest licensed centers in Ithaca
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
All Ithaca licensed centers
Page 3 of 3Pick a provider above to see the full profile, including current license status, age range served, and phone number.
Quick answers about subsidies, costs, and how to vet a provider in this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Ithaca, New York?
What's the average daycare cost in Ithaca?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Ithaca daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Ithaca?
How do I verify a Ithaca daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Ithaca
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 Ithaca
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Ithaca, 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 · May 2026 · methodology
Search 43 Licensed Centers in Ithaca
Free, no signup, verified directly with NY Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) — Division of Child Care Services.