The Best Daycare Centers in Burlington, CT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Burlington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Burlington
The Goddard School of Farmington
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Farmington offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Highly qualified teachers implement developmentally appropriate curriculum focusing on literacy, STEM, social skills, and creative arts. The school maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and emphasizes personalized attention for each child's developmental needs.
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Bright Horizons at Avon
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Avon provides comprehensive early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes emergent learning and project-based activities. The center features secure facilities with dedicated infant rooms, toddler exploration areas, and preschool learning centers. Their highly educated teaching staff includes certified early childhood educators who implement developmentally appropriate practices. The program focuses on social-emotional development, cognitive growth, and physical development through hands-on learning experiences in literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts.
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Bristol Hospital Early Learning Center
Bristol Hospital
Operated by Bristol Hospital, this early learning center provides exceptional childcare with a strong emphasis on health, safety, and developmental appropriateness. The hospital-affiliated program offers unique advantages including on-site medical oversight, stringent health protocols, and nutritionally balanced meals. Their curriculum focuses on whole-child development through play-based learning, literacy enrichment, and social skills building. The center features secure access, modern classrooms, and outdoor play spaces designed for different age groups. Teachers are certified in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Burlington, CT
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Burlington, CT, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Burlington, CT, the average cost for full-time infant or toddler daycare typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. This is generally in line with regional averages for Hartford County. Costs can vary based on the type of facility (e.g., in-home daycare, center-based), specific programs offered, and staff-to-child ratios. For financial assistance, Connecticut's Office of Early Childhood (OEC) administers the Care 4 Kids program, which is the state's primary childcare subsidy for eligible families based on income and need. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's highly recommended to contact the OEC directly and inquire with individual Burlington providers about their specific payment structures and any available aid.
How do I verify that a daycare or childcare provider in Burlington is properly licensed and what should I look for in their state inspection reports?
All licensed childcare providers in Burlington must be registered with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC). You can verify a provider's license and view their official compliance history through the OEC's online "Look Up a License" portal. When reviewing inspection reports, pay close attention to any cited violations, particularly those related to health and safety (e.g., safe sleep practices for infants, medication administration, physical environment hazards), staff qualifications, and required staff-to-child ratios. The OEC website also allows you to see if a provider has a "Provisional" or "Full" license status. Always cross-reference this state information with firsthand visits and conversations with the director.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Burlington, and what strategies can I use to secure a spot for my child?
Yes, waitlists are common for many daycare centers and highly-regarded in-home providers in Burlington, especially for infant and toddler rooms. It is not unusual for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long. The best strategy is to start your search and get on multiple lists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or several months before your needed start date. Be proactive: contact centers directly to understand their specific process, ask about their typical turnover, and confirm your position on the list periodically. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in Burlington and neighboring towns like Bristol or Farmington, which may have shorter wait times while still offering quality care.
What are the typical operating hours for daycare centers in Burlington, and how flexible are they for parents with non-standard work schedules?
Most traditional daycare centers in Burlington operate on a standard schedule, typically from around 7:00 AM to 5:30 or 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Flexibility for early drop-off, late pick-up, or part-time schedules varies significantly by provider and often incurs additional fees. For parents with evening, overnight, or weekend shifts, options are more limited. You would likely need to seek out specialized in-home providers who advertise extended hours or explore nanny shares with other local families. It's crucial to discuss your specific scheduling needs upfront during tours and interviews. The regional demand for flexible care means such spots are highly sought after, so planning well in advance is essential.
Beyond basic care, what types of early learning programs or enrichment activities are commonly offered by Burlington daycare providers?
Many daycare providers in Burlington align their curricula with the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS). Common programs include play-based learning, literacy activities, basic STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) concepts, and social-emotional skill development. You'll often find centers incorporating outdoor time, taking advantage of Burlington's more rural setting with nature-based activities. Specific enrichments can include weekly music or movement classes, introductory Spanish, and gardening projects. Some centers may also offer preschool readiness programs for older toddlers. When touring, ask to see a sample weekly schedule and how they track developmental milestones. The focus in quality local programs is typically on preparing children for a smooth transition into the Region 10 School District's kindergarten program.
Nearby Cities
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