Becky, NNY Life Events & Activities Coordinator has begun compiling this list of area pre-school opportunities and some ideas for handling deployments and military life without family nearby to help with day-to-day care for your kiddos.
As a Fort Drum military wife, I know what it is like to be the new family in town – to have to learn your way around, find housing, and look for an electrician. It’s tough, especially if you have a spouse who is deployed, will soon deploy, or travels for training for extended periods of time. During one of my husband’s deployments, I relied on both the toddler program and the hourly care at Memorial Drive. The closure of the Memorial Drive part-day childcare building on Fort Drum shocked and inspired me to begin creating a list of all of the Watertown and Fort Drum area preschools that I am aware of.
I hope this makes things easier for families in the North Country – new and not so new!
This list is informational only. We are not associated with any of the programs listed and offer no official recommendations.
Preschools
CAPC /Head Start
Head Start is a federally-funded preschool program for children ages three and four whose families meet federal income requirements in Jefferson County. There are locations in Watertown, South Jefferson, Antwerp, Carthage and Dexter.
BOCES Jefferson County
We are working to find more Information…
New Day Children’s Center
New Day Children’s Center is a combination daycare center/preschool. They have programs for kids aged birth to school age. Their website says there are spots available, but I’m sure it will fill up fast!
YMCA Fairgrounds
The Fairgrounds YMCA offers part day preschool for three- and four-year-olds two, three or five days per week.
Immaculate Heart Catholic School
IHC is a Catholic school serving preschool through high school in Watertown. St John Bosco preschool offers three- and four-year-olds three- and five-day preschool options. For pricing look under tuition.
Universal Pre-K
Universal pre-kindergarten is a state funded preschool program offered thru many school districts at no cost to parents. I encourage you to call your school districts office now to find when they start to accept applications for next year. Some school districts do not offer it and most do not have room for all the children in the district.
Faith Fellowship
Faith Fellowship is a Christian private school located in Watertown. They offer a pre K program for 4 year olds that are 5 days per week.
Everyday Discoveries Preschool in Black River
Everyday Discoveries Preschool is a Montessori-based private preschool in Black River. Mrs. Dawnna Beniot was my older child’s preschool teacher once upon a time. She is truly a wonderful teacher! She currently opened her own preschool in her home in Black River just outside of fort drum. Her program is for 3 & 4 year olds and is open 5 days per week.
Black River Co-Op Preschool
Black River Co-Op Preschool this is a parent cooperative preschool. Parents participate in the classroom at least once per month. Located in the village of Black River. Email blackriverpreschool (at) yahoo (dot) com for more information.
Benchmark
Benchmark is an integrated preschool with wrap around child care available for ages 3 & 4. They are located in Watertown.
Jefferson Rehabilitation Center
Click here more information.
Carthage Family Co-Op Preschool
Applications being accepted now for the Carthage Family Co-Op Nursery School. Morning classes for three- and four-year-olds with certified teachers. Registration: 315-493-1447.
Carthage Augustinian Academy
Augustinian Academy is a pre-school through eighth grade Catholic school located in Carthage. From their website: “We have a Pre-school program for 3 and 4 year-olds, and classes for Kindergarten thru eighth grade. Our teachers are NYS certified and follow the standards for NYS, as well as those for the Diocese of Ogdensburg. Besides regular classroom instruction, we offer classes in general music, instrumental lessons, computer and technology, physical education and art.
In addition to classrooms, our facility includes a full-sized gym, cafeteria, computer lab, science lab, library, and playground. The St. James Roman Catholic Church and the Sisters of Saint Joseph Convent are located next to the school building.”
I hope that families with three- and four-year-olds can use this list and find a program that works for their family needs. Also, think about next year. Some places are already building lists! It’s never too early to call around and get your name on your preferred pre-school provider’s list.
Kid’s Corner Children’s Center in Beaver Falls, NY
Kid’s Corner Children’s Center in Beaver Falls is a full-time daycare for kids aged 18 months to 12 years with a pre-k program for the three- and four-year-olds. They have part day and full-day options.
Options for Kids Under Age Three
The Watertown and Carthage YMCAs offer child watch for up to ninety minutes a day as part of their family membership. Often I will work out for an hour and take a long hot shower with the rest of my time. Even though you’re not allowed to leave the premises while your child is in the child watch center, it really does help you feel refreshed and energized – a huge perk for those moms who have no family in the area and will soon be without readily-available part-time care.
My second suggestion is to use the last two weeks Memorial is open to set up a preschool co-op with the other moms and children you and your child already know. If you can find two other moms that love the idea you could set up Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning alternating play dates. You host one day, and then have two mornings to yourself. Plan one simple learning idea or craft on your day, or just let them play. Winter will be gone before you know it and this will give the kids a chance to interact and it will give you some much-need MOM time.
Sign up for Parent’s Night Out at the Y. This is a free service for military families only. A parent must sign up each child, in person at a YMCA branch starting on the first of each month. See the link for upcoming dates. Carthage YMCA also offers this program. The infant/toddler age group does fill up, so stop in at the Y the morning of the first. We personally use this program. Both my school age child and toddler LOVE it. My husband and I love it as well. If your spouse is deployed take the time for yourself. Meet a friend for dinner, shop alone, or sit in Panera and read. We all need to recharge our batteries.
If you’re a JCC student, look into JCC Campus Care. Also, if you’re a military family, the director will help you apply for financial assistance from the Army. You can also use financial aid monies to help pay for the care. The day I checked it out last semester blew me away. It was nothing like what I imagined, and is really fabulous. Stop in or call and see if there is availability or if you can be added to the waiting list.
If you have information for programs or state certified part-time care programs in the area, please leave a comment. It could really help make a difference in someone’s life!
