The Best Preschools in Harrisville, NY
Discover 3 top-rated preschools and early learning centers in Harrisville. Compare programs, read reviews, and find the perfect early childhood education for your child.
The Goddard School of Watertown
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Watertown is a highly-rated early childhood education center serving the greater Harrisville area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). The facility features state-of-the-art security systems, keypad entry, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their play-based curriculum emphasizes literacy, STEM, and social development, with all teachers holding degrees in early childhood education or related fields. The school maintains small class sizes and offers enrichment programs including yoga, music, and Spanish.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Watertown
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location has served the North Country region including Harrisville for over two decades with a research-based curriculum focused on whole-child development. The center features secure building access, comprehensive background checks for staff, and emergency preparedness training. Their curriculum includes phonics-based literacy programs, hands-on math and science activities, and social-emotional learning. The facility maintains low student-teacher ratios and offers nutritious meals and snacks as part of their program.
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Creative Beginnings Daycare & Preschool
Creative Beginnings LLC
Creative Beginnings in nearby Lowville serves families throughout Lewis County including Harrisville with a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum. The facility is NYS-licensed and features secure access, comprehensive safety protocols, and certified early childhood educators. Their program emphasizes literacy development through daily reading sessions, hands-on math and science exploration, and creative arts. The center maintains excellent staff retention rates and strong parent communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about preschools in Harrisville, NY:
What is the typical cost of preschool in Harrisville, NY, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In Harrisville and the surrounding North Country region, preschool tuition can range from approximately $150 to $250 per week, depending on the program's schedule and philosophy. For financial assistance, families should inquire directly with individual centers about possible sliding scale fees and apply for New York State's Child Care Subsidy Program through the Lewis County Department of Social Services. Some local churches or community organizations may also offer limited scholarship opportunities.
How do I verify the quality and licensing of a preschool in Harrisville?
All licensed preschools in New York State, including those in Harrisville, are regulated by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). You can verify a program's license status and review its recent inspection reports online through the NYS OCFS website. Additionally, you can ask the director about staff qualifications, child-to-teacher ratios, and whether they participate in quality initiatives like QUALITYstarsNY, New York's quality rating and improvement system.
What types of preschool programs are available in a small town like Harrisville?
Despite its size, Harrisville typically offers a few key options, including home-based family daycare programs, center-based preschools, and often a program affiliated with the local school district (like a UPK or Pre-K program at Harrisville Central School). Given the rural setting, some families also consider cooperative models or programs in neighboring towns like Lowville or Carthage, which may offer Montessori, play-based, or faith-based curricula.
What should I consider regarding transportation and location for a Harrisville preschool?
Due to the rural nature of Lewis County, most preschools in Harrisville do not provide bus transportation; parents are typically responsible for drop-off and pick-up. When choosing a program, consider your daily commute, especially during North Country winters, and inquire about the school's inclement weather policy. For families in outlying areas, a preschool's proximity to major routes like Route 12 or Route 26 can be a significant logistical factor.
When is the best time to start looking at and applying for preschools in Harrisville?
Given the limited number of slots in a small community, it is advisable to begin your search and schedule tours at least 6-12 months before your desired start date, often in the fall or winter prior. Enrollment for district-based Universal Pre-K (UPK) programs at Harrisville Central School typically has a specific application window in the spring. For private centers, waitlists are common, so applying early is crucial.
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