Licensed Daycare in Syracuse, New York
244 licensed daycares in Syracuse, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official New York licensing records.
Syracuse listings updated May 2026 from official New York records.
Daycare in Syracuse: what parents should know
There are 244 licensed childcare providers on record in Syracuse, with Family Daycare the most common type (about 33% 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, 29 centers in Syracuse report infant care (roughly 12% — infant slots are the scarcest and fill fastest, so start early), and 44 offer preschool programs for ages 3–5.
Licensed care in Syracuse spans 8+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 59% 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 Syracuse report capacity for roughly 7,245 children — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Syracuse childcare by the numbers
The Syracuse childcare landscape
Syracuse runs on New York's statewide pre-K funding, and the city school district offers it widely. With upstate prices well below downstate and a strong community Head Start network, Syracuse is a manageable market for most families.
Free Universal Pre-K (UPK)
New York funds Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) statewide, and the Syracuse City School District offers free pre-K to city 4-year-olds, delivered in schools and through community providers. For most Syracuse families the pre-K year is free.
Subsidies and Head Start
Child-care subsidy for eligible working families runs through the Onondaga County Department of Social Services, and New York has expanded its income limits in recent years. PEACE, Inc. operates much of the area's Head Start and Early Head Start.
How licensing works
Outside New York City, child-care centers and family homes are licensed and inspected by NY State OCFS. Check a provider's standing and inspection history (public record) and look for a QUALITYstarsNY rating, the state's voluntary quality system.
Neighborhoods and cost
Syracuse is affordable — full-time infant care commonly runs $1,000–$1,300/month. The east side near the universities is competitive; the suburbs of DeWitt, Liverpool, and Camillus add capacity and are routinely searched alongside the city.
When to start looking
Register for Syracuse City School District pre-K ahead of the fall — apply in spring, since seats are allocated. For infant care, tour early and join waitlists.
Childcare costs in Syracuse
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 Syracuse 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
- 29 kids
Program types in Syracuse
Largest licensed centers in Syracuse
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
All Syracuse licensed centers
Page 16 of 17Tap any card to view the full listing including the state license number, capacity, and inspection history when available.
Parent-asked basics on licensing, ratios, and waitlist timing for this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Syracuse, New York?
What's the average daycare cost in Syracuse?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Syracuse daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Syracuse?
How do I verify a Syracuse daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Syracuse
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 Syracuse
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Syracuse, 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 244 Licensed Centers in Syracuse
Free, no signup, verified directly with NY Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) — Division of Child Care Services.