The Best Daycare Centers in Bloomfield, CT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bloomfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bloomfield
Bright Horizons at Bloomfield
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Bloomfield is a nationally accredited childcare center offering a comprehensive early education curriculum. The facility features age-appropriate learning environments with dedicated infant rooms, toddler classrooms, and preschool spaces. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, literacy development, and STEM activities. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios with qualified early childhood educators, many holding degrees in education. Safety features include secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive health protocols. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks through their food program and offers flexible scheduling options for working families.
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The Goddard School of West Hartford
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located just minutes from Bloomfield, The Goddard School of West Hartford serves families throughout the Greater Hartford area with its F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). The curriculum focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression through play-based learning. The school features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and surveillance cameras. Classrooms are designed with learning centers for literacy, math, science, and art. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor play areas, and the program emphasizes character development and community awareness.
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Kiddie Academy of West Hartford
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of West Hartford provides educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development, technology, and hands-on learning. The academy serves Bloomfield families with comprehensive programs from infancy through school-age. Their approach emphasizes STEM education, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and well-equipped classrooms with learning centers. Teachers are trained in early childhood development and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The academy offers flexible scheduling, nutritious meals, and regular parent communication through their electronic daily reports system. Their before and after school program provides transportation to local elementary schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bloomfield, CT
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Bloomfield, CT?
In Bloomfield, CT, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of center. For infants (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. These rates are generally in line with the Hartford County average. Home-based family childcare programs in Bloomfield may offer slightly lower rates, often between $800 and $1,200 monthly. It's important to note that these are base rates; additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pick-up are common. Financial assistance may be available through the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood's Care 4 Kids program for eligible families.
How do I verify that a daycare or childcare provider in Bloomfield is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All licensed childcare providers in Connecticut, including those in Bloomfield, are regulated by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC). You can verify a provider's license status, view their compliance history, and check for any serious violations by using the OEC's online "Look Up a Child Care Program" search tool. During an in-person tour in Bloomfield, look beyond the license and ask to see their current license certificate. Observe the staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), check for clean and safe indoor/outdoor spaces, ask about staff qualifications and ongoing training, and review their emergency procedures and sick policies. Don't hesitate to ask for references from current parents. A quality Bloomfield provider will be transparent and welcome these questions.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Bloomfield, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many daycare centers in Bloomfield, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. High-demand centers in popular locations or those affiliated with employers or institutions can have waitlists of 6 to 12 months or more. It is highly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move to Bloomfield begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before their needed start date. For toddler or preschool spots, starting 4-6 months in advance is advisable. Be proactive: contact multiple centers, get on several lists (often with a small fee), and follow up periodically to express continued interest.
What are the options for part-time or flexible childcare schedules in Bloomfield?
While full-time care is most common, Bloomfield does offer some part-time and flexible options. Several daycare centers offer part-week schedules (e.g., 2 or 3 days a week), though these spots are limited and may cost proportionally more per day than a full-time slot. Many licensed family childcare homes offer greater schedule flexibility, including care for non-traditional hours. For more occasional or backup care, you can explore networks like Sittercity or Care.com with filters for Bloomfield. Additionally, the Bloomfield Public Schools district offers preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds that typically run on a part-day schedule, which some families combine with other care arrangements.
What resources are available in Bloomfield to help me find and compare local childcare options?
The primary local resource is the **Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC)**, which maintains the official statewide searchable database of all licensed providers. You can filter by town (Bloomfield), program type, and age group. For personalized assistance, contact the **Child Care Referral Specialists** at the United Way of Connecticut by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting their website. They can provide free, customized referrals based on your specific needs, location, and budget. Additionally, connecting with local parent groups on social media platforms like Facebook (e.g., "Bloomfield, CT Community" groups) can provide invaluable word-of-mouth recommendations and insights into current availability and experiences with specific providers.