The Best Daycare Centers in Manton, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Manton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Manton
Manton Learning Center
Independent
Manton Learning Center is a highly-regarded local facility serving the rural Manton community with a comprehensive early childhood education program. The center focuses on developmental learning through hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, and structured academic preparation. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy development, social skills, and kindergarten readiness while incorporating the natural environment of the surrounding area. Teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios and many have early childhood education credentials. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and a nurturing environment that emphasizes individual attention and community values.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center at Churn Creek
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location serves families throughout the greater Redding area, including Manton residents seeking comprehensive childcare services. The center follows KinderCare's nationally-recognized curriculum that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development. Features include dedicated infant rooms with individualized care plans, STEM learning labs, literacy-rich environments, and secure outdoor playgrounds. All teachers receive ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certification. The center emphasizes communication with parents through daily reports and regular conferences, plus offers flexible scheduling to accommodate working families commuting from surrounding communities.
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The Goddard School of Redding
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Redding provides high-quality early childhood education serving families in the greater Redding region, including Manton. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) balances academic learning with creative play and social development. The school features purpose-built classrooms, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning materials. Curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and arts, delivered by degreed teachers in low-ratio classrooms. The facility includes multiple playgrounds, indoor motor skills areas, and technology-enhanced learning spaces. Parents appreciate the strong communication, detailed progress reports, and focus on preparing children for elementary school success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Manton, CA
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Manton, CA, given its rural setting?
In Manton, due to its small, rural community in Shasta County, licensed childcare options are primarily family childcare homes (FCCHs). These are in-home providers licensed by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to care for a smaller number of children, often offering a more home-like environment. There are currently no large daycare centers in Manton itself. Some families may also utilize licensed-exempt care, such as care by a relative, or look for providers in nearby larger towns like Red Bluff or Redding, which involves a significant commute. The Community Care Licensing Division's website is the best resource to find and verify currently licensed providers in the 96089 zip code.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a daycare provider in Manton?
For any licensed family childcare home in Manton, you must verify their status through the State of California's online resources. Visit the Community Care Licensing (CCL) "Find Child Care" portal on the CDSS website. You can search by provider name, facility number, city, or zip code (96089). This will show the provider's license status (active, expired, suspended), capacity, ages served, and any serious compliance violations or citations from past inspections. You can also call the Northern Regional CCL office in Redding for assistance. Always ask the provider for their facility number to cross-reference.
What is the typical cost for full-time childcare in Manton, and are there financial assistance programs for local families?
In Manton, costs for licensed family childcare can vary but generally range from $800 to $1,200 per month for full-time infant or toddler care. Rates may be slightly lower for preschool-aged children. Given the limited supply, costs can be competitive. For financial assistance, Shasta County families can apply for subsidized care through the California Alternative Payment Program (CAPP) or the CalWORKs Child Care program, administered locally by agencies like the Shasta County Office of Education or Northern Valley Catholic Social Service. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (like employment or schooling). It's crucial to apply early, as waitlists for subsidies can be long.
Are there any nature or agriculture-based childcare programs in Manton that reflect the local environment?
While specific licensed programs advertising a formal "nature-based" curriculum are rare, the rural character of Manton means many family childcare providers naturally incorporate outdoor and agricultural experiences into daily activities. It's very common for children in Manton FCCHs to have regular outdoor play in large yards, garden, or be around small farm animals. When interviewing providers, ask specifically about their daily outdoor time, if they have a garden, and how they incorporate the natural surroundings into learning. This hands-on, outdoor-focused approach is a hallmark of childcare in this region but is typically woven into the provider's personal philosophy rather than a branded program.
How far in advance should I put my child on a waitlist for daycare in Manton, and what factors affect availability?
Due to the very limited number of licensed providers in Manton, you should begin your search and seek to get on a waitlist as soon as possible, ideally 6-12 months before you need care, especially for an infant. Availability is extremely constrained and can be influenced by the provider's capacity (often 6-8 children total), the ages of children they are licensed for, and sibling priority for existing families. Many providers have a small, stable roster of children who may not leave until they age out to kindergarten, creating very few openings per year. Building a personal connection with providers and being flexible with start dates can improve your chances.