Alphabet Soup is a licensed and registered daycare home, operating from the same location for 17 years.

In addition to an educational Pre-K program, activities include music, dancing, and field trips to a local park. The schedule is structured but flexible enough to meet the needs of each child.

Big Smiles Little Faces Day Care offers year-round, all-day care for children ages eight weeks to 12 years. The pre-school curriculum consists of arts and crafts, singing, cooking, and early reading, as well as physical expressions, seasonal festivities, storytelling, puzzles, music, and movement in an enriched child-centered environment. Daily excursions to local parks and indoor playroom allows children to get exercise and fresh air.

The academic year begins in September and runs throughout the year. Full-time and part-time programs are available. Admission is rolling and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Daily progress reports are provided.

The program is licensed by the New York City Department of Health. The owner is a New York State Certified Child Care Provider.

Building Blocks Playgroup, led by an Upper East Side private school teacher, offers year-round, all-day (as well as morning) care for children ages 10 months to four years. The preschool curriculum consists of arts and crafts, cooking, and early reading as well as music and movement in an enriched child-centered environment.

Yearly developmental and school admission reports are provided.

Children's Place Family Day Care has years of experience with multiples, toddlers, newborns, infants, and children with disabilities.

The school offers flexible hours (6am-6pm, negotiable), an open door policy for parents, weekly and daily rates, and drop-ins are welcome.

This parent-owned online directory of childcare options includes in-home providers, nannies, childcare centers, and babysitters, serving infants through school-age children. The website also offers links to helpful articles on parenting, state oversight agencies, and more.

The database is searchable by zip code, children's ages, and type of care required. Results include contact information; a description of the services offered; the staff, philosophy, licensing, and facilities of the provider; and hours of operation. Helpful icons beside search matches indicate which providers offer drop-in services and off-hours care; some listings include photos.

A very minimal amount of information can be gathered from a free search of the site - name of daycare, how many children of various ages are cared for by the provider, address, and phone number. To get additional information - hours of operation, website address, photos, etc. - parents must subscribe.

A note of caution: Listed providers are not screened, so while the site is a great starting point in a search for childcare, it's imperative that parents check out claims regarding licensing, staff, and facilities.

Inwood Kids Daycare's goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment that fosters a love for learning by focusing on each child's development. Dedicated to providing one-on-one interaction in addition to group socialization - an essential part of learning through play - the center also offers children a wide range of opportunities to stimulate their natural curiosity.

Lil' Thinkers offers a home daycare program for children ages six months to three years in a fun, nurturing learning environment. Art and music enrichment classes are offered and as well as sign language and Kinder Music.

The service is certified by the NYC Dept of Health and licensed by the NYS Office of Family and Children Services.

Lucy's Playgroup is designed to serve as a stepping-stone between home and nursery school; children ages two to four get a taste of group activities - arts & crafts, story-time, singing, and nature walks in nearby Riverside Park - in a warm and homey environment.

Snacks and lunches are included in the price.

Ms. Clarke's Family Day Care provides care for children ages one to five years. Nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, and snack) are prepared according to CACFP's guidelines. Activities include coloring, puzzles, educational computer games, educational dvds, story telling, role-playing, outdoor playtime, memory building, and more.

Ms. Clarke's Family Day Care is NY State Licensed, First Aid and CPR Certified, and provides both temporary and full-time care.

Precious Lambs Childcare is a licensed group family childcare program.

Scholars of the Future is a family home-based daycare that specializes in the education of infants and toddlers. Infants as young as six weeks and toddlers up to four years old are welcome.

ACD Vouchers are accepted.

Universal Progressive Therapy offers Occupational, Physical, and ABA therapy services in the home and in the clinic; childcare for children with special needs; and support groups for both parents and children.

The Child Development Institute at UPT offers Preschool 101, an inclusion program limited to a maximum of five children per day.

Tutoring, afterschool programs, and respite for children with autism and other special needs is also available.

Upper West Side Day Care is New York State-licensed, and offers a program designed to respond to an individual child's physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. The curriculum includes circle time, free play, creative art activities, music & movement, story time, nap time, dramatic play, outdoor play, and nature walks.