The Children's Aid Society @ I.S. 61 Life Designs Afterschool Program
445 CASTLETON AVENUE, STATEN ISLAND, NY 10301Childery Rating: 4/5
Data last updated ·
Quality Indicators
See Methodology →- Overall QualityCombines daily care quality (interactions, learning, environment) with structural features like staff-to-child ratios and teacher qualifications.4 / 5
- Process QualityThe quality of daily care — caregiver-child interactions, learning activities, and the emotional climate. Drawn from the state QRIS rating, accreditations, and Head Start CLASS observations.Not Available
- Structural QualityMeasurable features like staff-to-child ratios, group sizes, license status, and teacher qualifications. Provider-level data when available; otherwise the state regulatory baseline.4 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. Structural quality reflects a 17% violation rate across 29 visits in the last 3 years (most recently inspected January 2026) and a license in good standing. The structural rating also includes New York's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. New York caps infant ratios at 1:4, toddler ratios at 1:5, and preschool ratios at 1:8. Lead teachers must hold a Child Development Associate (CDA). Teachers must complete 15 hours of annual training. No objective process measures (e.g., state quality rating or national accreditation) are available for this daycare. The overall rating reflects structural features only.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- Accreditations
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)Not Accredited
- National Accreditation Commission (NAC)Not Accredited
- National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)Not Accredited
- National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)Not Accredited
Facility Info
- Facility type
- After School
- Age groups served
- School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- 160
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:4 8 Toddlers 1:5 12 Preschool 1:8 21
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- Child Development Associate (CDA)
Inspection History
Across 3 inspections since 2025, the issues cited most often were Children's Records & Files (3), Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (1), and Hazardous Materials Handling (1). None of the 5 findings were critical.
See All 3 Inspection Visits
Jan 15, 20261 Finding1 Important
- Staff and Volunteers Must Each Submit a Medical Statement on Forms Furnished by the Office or an Approved Equivalent…414.11(b)(1)
Staff and volunteers must each submit a medical statement on forms furnished by the Office or an approved equivalent from a health care provider:
✓ Corrected at visit
Nov 17, 20253 Findings3 Important
- Staff and Volunteers Must Each Submit a Medical Statement on Forms Furnished by the Office or an Approved Equivalent…414.11(b)(1)
Staff and volunteers must each submit a medical statement on forms furnished by the Office or an approved equivalent from a health care provider:
✓ Corrected at visit
- Initial Medical Statements Sent in with the Application or as a Result of a New Hire Must Be Dated Within 12 Months…414.11(b)(3)
Initial medical statements sent in with the application or as a result of a new hire must be dated within 12 months preceding the date of application or hiring
✓ Corrected at visit
- Each Applicant For414.14(b)
Each applicant for, or individual in the position of director, teacher, or volunteer must complete Office- approved training that complies with federal minimum
✓ Corrected at visit
May 29, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Suitable Precautions Must Be Taken to Eliminate All Conditions in Areas Accessible to Children Which Pose a Safety or Health Hazard.414.5(a)
✓ Corrected at visit
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