Frequently Asked Questions

We provide care for infants and young children from 6 weeks through 5 years of age. 

Develop and Discover is located in Patchogue, NY, just off Sunrise Highway. Our exact address is provided upon confirmation of a scheduled tour. 

No, we only offer full time (30+ hours a week) enrollment.

Our care hours are 7:30AM - 5:30PM on weekdays, and we are closed on federal holidays.

No, we do not offer care outside of our normal hours.

We maintain a small group setting with a maximum enrollment of 12 children. This includes no more than 4 infants under the age of 2 at any given time, with the remaining spaces reserved for children between the ages of 2 and 5. 

Yes. Develop and Discover Daycare is fully licensed through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and operates in compliance with all required regulations. 

At this time, meals are not provided, and families are asked to send food for their child each day.

We are currently exploring offering meals through the CACFP program, and will share updates with families as that becomes available.

Children who are not feeling well should remain at home to help prevent the spread of illness. If a child becomes sick during the day, families will be contacted and asked to arrange prompt pickup. 

The program follows daily cleaning and sanitizing procedures for toys, surfaces, and shared materials. High-touch areas are cleaned regularly throughout the day to maintain a safe and healthy environment. 

Families are asked to provide diapers, wipes, and diaper cream for their child. Diapering is conducted in accordance with New York State OCFS guidelines, with designated changing areas, proper handwashing procedures, and thorough sanitizing of surfaces after each use. Soiled diapers are securely disposed of, and hygiene practices are consistently maintained to ensure a clean and safe environment for all children. 

Yes. We follow all New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) safe sleep regulations. Infants are always placed on their backs in individual pack and plays with firm, approved mattresses and fitted sheets. Loose blankets, pillows, and soft items are not permitted in infant sleeping spaces. 

Toddlers rest in accordance with age-appropriate guidelines using approved rest equipment that is not shared between children. Safe sleep and supervision practices are maintained at all times during rest periods.

Families provide an approved blanket and sheet (or sleep sack for younger infants), which must be taken home weekly to be washed. 

Yes. All caregivers maintain current CPR and First Aid certification in accordance with New York State OCFS requirements. 

We operate in full compliance with all New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) fire and safety requirements. The space is equipped with required smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, clearly marked exits, and an approved emergency evacuation plan. Regular fire drills are conducted, and all required safety inspections are completed to ensure the program meets state standards at all times. 

The morning begins with drop off and breakfast, followed by tabletop activities and circle time. Children then participate in small group learning activities before enjoying a morning snack and center-based play. 

Outdoor time is incorporated daily, weather permitting, followed by lunch and a scheduled nap or rest period. After rest time, children enjoy an afternoon snack and participate in additional small group activities and guided play until pick up.

Yes. Outdoor play is incorporated into our daily routine, weather permitting. Activities take place in a designated, age appropriate area with clearly defined boundaries, and children are actively supervised at all times. All outdoor play follows licensing and safety guidelines to ensure a controlled and secure environment.

Families are asked to dress children appropriately for the weather so they can participate comfortably and safely in outdoor activities throughout the year.

Children’s development is supported through a structured daily routine that includes small group learning, guided activities, independent exploration, and social interaction. Activities are age appropriate and intentionally planned to support key developmental milestones, including language growth, early cognitive skills, fine and gross motor development, and social-emotional confidence.

In a small group setting, children receive consistent guidance and individualized attention, allowing caregivers to observe progress and provide support at each stage of development.

When developmentally appropriate, we begin introducing children to the toilet and work in partnership with families to support the approach being used at home. Consistency between home and the program helps ensure a smoother and more successful transition. 

Kaitlyn serves as the program’s primary caregiver and is present each day. As enrollment grows beyond 6 children, a fully qualified assistant teacher is added in accordance with required staffing ratios to ensure consistent supervision and care. 

In the event Kaitlyn is scheduled to be absent, families will be notified in advance. A fully qualified substitute teacher will oversee the program for the day to ensure continuity of care and required staffing ratios are maintained. 

Develop and Discover operates within all required staffing ratios at all times. Fully qualified assistant teachers are scheduled as enrollment requires, and additional qualified coverage is available in the event of an absence. Our administrator, Nick, is also qualified to step in when needed to ensure consistent, uninterrupted care.