The Best Daycare Centers in East Hartland, CT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in East Hartland. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in East Hartland
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Simsbury offers a premier 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, STEM, art, and social development with highly qualified teachers holding degrees in early childhood education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and provide daily communication to parents through their mobile app. The school is known for its comprehensive safety protocols and nurturing environment that promotes cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Bloomfield
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Bloomfield provides a research-based curriculum called The World at Their Fingertips that emphasizes language, literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional development. Their highly trained educators hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The center features secure facilities with coded entry, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and age-appropriate learning materials. They offer nutritious meals and snacks, regular developmental assessments, and strong parent partnerships through daily reports and conferences. The center is particularly noted for its STEM-focused activities and inclusive environment.
Daycare Services:
Children's Tree Montessori School
Independent Montessori School
Children's Tree Montessori School offers authentic Montessori education in a carefully prepared environment that fosters independence, concentration, and love of learning. Their AMI-certified teachers guide children through hands-on learning with specialized Montessori materials across practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, and cultural studies. The school features beautiful natural classrooms, extensive outdoor learning spaces including gardens and nature trails, and a peaceful learning atmosphere. They maintain small class sizes with low student-teacher ratios and emphasize character development alongside academic growth. The school is highly regarded for its respectful approach to child development and strong community values.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in East Hartland, CT
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in East Hartland, CT, and how do they differ?
In East Hartland, parents primarily have two licensed options: family childcare homes and center-based programs. Family childcare homes are small, home-based settings licensed for up to 6 children (or up to 9 with an assistant), offering a more intimate, family-like environment. Due to East Hartland's rural nature, these are common. Center-based programs are larger facilities, but there are very few located directly in East Hartland itself; parents often look in nearby towns like Granby, Simsbury, or West Hartland. Centers follow structured curricula and have multiple staff. All providers must be licensed by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), which ensures they meet health, safety, and staff qualification standards. You can verify any provider's license status on the OEC website.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare in East Hartland, and when should I start looking?
Given the limited number of providers in the immediate East Hartland area, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It is strongly recommended to begin your search at least 6-12 months before your needed start date. For popular family childcare homes or spots in sought-after centers in neighboring communities, you may encounter waitlists of 9 months to over a year. Many providers in the region maintain perpetual waitlists. Your best strategy is to contact providers as early as possible, get on multiple lists, and follow up periodically. Be prepared to expand your search radius to surrounding towns to increase your options.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in the East Hartland area?
Costs vary by type of care and specific location. For a licensed family childcare home in East Hartland or its immediate vicinity, you can expect to pay approximately $250-$350 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. For center-based care in nearby towns like Granby or Simsbury, weekly rates are typically higher, ranging from $350 to $450 per week. These costs are generally in line with or slightly below the Connecticut state average, partly due to the more rural setting. Be sure to ask what is included in the tuition (e.g., meals, diapers, formula). Financial assistance may be available through the state's Care 4 Kids subsidy program for eligible families.
Are there any state or local programs in Connecticut that help with childcare costs for East Hartland residents?
Yes, the primary program is Connecticut's **Care 4 Kids**, a state and federally funded childcare subsidy program administered by the OEC. Eligibility is based on family income, size, and need (such as employment or attending school). Many East Hartland families utilize this program to afford licensed care. Additionally, you may inquire with providers about possible sliding scale fees. While East Hartland itself does not have a municipal childcare assistance program, it's worth checking with the Town Hall or the Granby Regional Social Services department (which serves the region) for any local resources or referrals. Some employers in the Greater Hartford area also offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
What should I look for during a daycare tour or interview with a provider in this community?
Beyond standard checks for safety and cleanliness, ask specific questions relevant to the rural setting. Inquire about their **emergency plans** for severe weather (common in New England) and power outages, and their protocol for communication if roads are difficult. Ask about their **outdoor play** philosophy and facilities, as access to nature is a benefit of the area. Verify their Connecticut OEC license is current and ask about staff longevity—low turnover indicates a stable environment. For family homes, clarify the provider's backup plan for their own sick days. Finally, ask for references from other East Hartland or local families to understand their experience with the provider's reliability and community fit. Trust your instincts about the caregiver's warmth and the overall environment.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near East Hartland: