The Best Daycare Centers in Amston, CT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Amston. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Amston
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in North Stonington offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and arts, delivered by highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. What sets this center apart is their focus on individual child development tracking and their extensive enrichment programs including yoga, music, and Spanish language exposure. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and prioritize safety with rigorous health and cleanliness protocols.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Experience - Colchester
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Colchester provides a nationally-recognized curriculum with proprietary programs like L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) and philanthropy-focused curriculum. Their state-of-the-art facility includes secure access systems, indoor gymnasium, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The center employs degreed early childhood educators who specialize in age-appropriate developmental milestones. Unique features include their signature programs: Bubbles the Elephant for manners and etiquette, and philanthropy curriculum teaching children about giving back. They offer comprehensive safety protocols including secured entry systems, regular safety drills, and strict health and sanitation standards. The center is known for its strong parent communication through daily digital reports and regular updates.
Daycare Services:
Creative Kids Preschool & Childcare
Independent
Creative Kids Preschool & Childcare in Colchester offers a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, creative arts, and social-emotional development. The center features spacious classrooms, large outdoor play areas with natural elements, and dedicated infant and toddler rooms. What makes this facility exceptional is their low teacher-to-child ratios and highly experienced staff with many teachers having 10+ years of service. They provide nutritious meals and snacks prepared on-site and maintain exceptional cleanliness standards. The center is particularly praised for its warm, family-like atmosphere and individualized attention to each child's developmental needs. Their preschool program includes comprehensive kindergarten readiness with focus on literacy, math, and social skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Amston, CT
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool for an infant or toddler in Amston, CT?
In Amston and the surrounding Tolland County area, full-time childcare costs are generally in line with Connecticut state averages, which are among the highest in the nation. For an infant, you can expect to pay approximately $1,300 to $1,600 per month. For a toddler, costs typically range from $1,100 to $1,400 per month. Preschool programs for 3-5 year-olds may be slightly lower, around $900 to $1,200 monthly. These rates can vary based on the type of facility (home-based vs. center-based), specific curriculum offered, and included amenities. It's important to note that options within Amston itself are limited, so many families also consider providers in nearby towns like Hebron, Marlborough, and Colchester, which may have similar pricing.
How can I find licensed and reputable childcare providers in or near Amston, given it's a smaller town?
As a smaller community, Amston has a limited number of licensed providers. Your best starting point is the State of Connecticut's Office of Early Childhood (OEC) "Look Up a License" online tool. This official database allows you to search for all licensed family child care homes and child care centers by town, including Amston, Hebron, and Colchester. You can review their licensing history and any compliance reports. Additionally, the United Way of Connecticut's 2-1-1 Child Care search is an invaluable local resource. For personal recommendations, connecting with local parent groups on social media (like community pages for Hebron/Amston) or inquiring at the Amston Lake District office can provide word-of-mouth referrals for trusted home-based providers.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with childcare costs for families in Amston?
Yes, the primary program is the Connecticut Care 4 Kids (C4K) subsidy, administered by the Office of Early Childhood. Eligibility is based on family income, size, and need (such as employment or attending school). Many families in Amston who commute to jobs in Hartford, Norwich, or other employment centers may qualify for assistance. You apply directly through the C4K website. Additionally, it's worth inquiring with individual childcare centers if they offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. For preschool, the state-funded School Readiness program may have limited slots in nearby towns, though availability in immediate Amston is very limited. The local school district, Regional School District 8 (serving Hebron, Andover, and Marlborough), may have information on early childhood resources.
What is the average waitlist time for daycare centers in the Amston area, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of providers in the immediate area, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for popular centers in nearby towns like Hebron or Colchester to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer for infant rooms. For in-home family daycare in Amston, spots may open less frequently. We strongly recommend beginning your search during pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester. When contacting providers, be sure to ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, if there's a fee to be on the list, how often they update families, and if they anticipate sibling priority for future openings.
What are the key differences between a licensed family child care home and a child care center in this region, and how do I choose?
In the Amston area, your choice will largely be between licensed family child care homes (often in a residential setting) and child care centers typically located in nearby commercial areas or towns. * **Family Child Care Homes:** Often found in Amston itself or neighboring rural areas. They offer a home-like environment, mixed-age groups, potentially more flexible hours, and smaller group sizes. They are licensed for a maximum of 6-12 children depending on the license type. * **Child Care Centers:** More commonly found in towns like Colchester, Marlborough, or Hebron. They offer structured classrooms by age, multiple staff, and often a formal curriculum. They may have larger facilities with dedicated outdoor play spaces. To choose, consider your child's temperament, your need for schedule flexibility, and your commute. Visit both types, verify their OEC license is current, check their staff-to-child ratios (CT law: 1:4 for infants, 1:4 for toddlers, 1:10 for preschoolers), and ask about their policies on sick children, meals, and outdoor play. Given Amston's setting, also consider the provider's location relative to your home or commute route.