The Best Daycare Centers in Gaylordsville, CT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Gaylordsville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Gaylordsville
Bright Horizons at New Milford
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at New Milford is a highly-regarded early education center located just 10 minutes from Gaylordsville. They follow the World at Their Fingers curriculum, which emphasizes hands-on learning and developmentally appropriate activities. The center features dedicated infant rooms with low teacher-to-child ratios, specialized toddler programs focusing on language development and social skills, and comprehensive preschool preparation. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate outdoor play areas, and well-equipped classrooms with modern learning materials. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, nurturing environment, and educational quality.
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The Goddard School of New Milford
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of New Milford offers a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation, serving families throughout the Gaylordsville area. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on literacy, STEM, creative arts, and social-emotional development. The school features secure facilities with coded entry systems, indoor gymnasium, and multiple outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. All lead teachers have degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. The program includes enrichment activities like yoga, music, and foreign language exposure. Parents highlight the school's clean facilities, engaged teachers, and comprehensive curriculum.
Daycare Services:
Sherman School Early Childhood Center
Sherman School District
Located just 8 minutes from Gaylordsville, Sherman School Early Childhood Center provides high-quality early education within a public school setting. The program follows Connecticut's Early Learning and Development Standards with a play-based, developmentally appropriate approach. The center features purpose-built early childhood classrooms, secure campus facilities, and access to school resources including library, gymnasium, and outdoor play spaces. Certified early childhood educators deliver curriculum that emphasizes social skills, early literacy, mathematics, and kindergarten readiness. The program is particularly noted for its smooth transition to elementary school and strong parent-teacher partnerships. Families appreciate the community-oriented atmosphere and experienced teaching staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Gaylordsville, CT
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available to parents in Gaylordsville, CT?
In Gaylordsville and the surrounding New Milford area, parents typically have three main licensed options. First, there are licensed family childcare homes, which are small, home-based settings often run by a single provider, offering a more intimate environment. Second, there are child daycare centers, which are larger facilities with multiple staff and structured classrooms; these are less common directly in Gaylordsville itself but available in nearby towns like New Milford. Third, there are preschool programs, often part of a center or a standalone facility, focusing on early education for children ages 3-5. All licensed providers in Connecticut must be regulated by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), which ensures they meet health, safety, and staff qualification standards. Due to Gaylordsville's more rural setting, family childcare homes are a particularly popular and accessible choice for local families.
How can I find and verify the license and inspection history of a daycare provider in Gaylordsville?
The State of Connecticut provides an excellent online resource called "Care 4 Kids" and the "OEC Licensing Lookup." You can visit the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood website and use their search tool to find licensed providers by town. Entering "Gaylordsville" or "New Milford" (06855/06776) will show you a list. For each provider, you can view their current license status, capacity, age ranges served, and any recent inspection reports. These reports detail compliance with state regulations, including any violations and corrective actions taken. It's highly recommended to review this information and also contact the OEC directly with any questions. Additionally, you can ask any provider you visit for their official license number and cross-reference it online.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Gaylordsville area, and are there financial assistance programs?
Costs in the Gaylordsville/New Milford region are generally reflective of Litchfield County averages. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $225-$325 per week for infant care. Larger daycare centers in nearby commercial areas may charge $300-$425 per week. Preschool programs for 3-5-year-olds are often slightly less. Financial assistance is primarily available through the state's **Care 4 Kids** program, which is Connecticut's childcare subsidy program for eligible working families or those in education/training. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You apply through the Care 4 Kids website. Some local providers may also offer sibling discounts or private scholarships, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are waitlists common for daycare services in Gaylordsville, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant spots and at highly regarded local providers. Gaylordsville's smaller number of options means demand can outpace availability. It is strongly advised to begin your search **at least 6 to 12 months** before you need care, particularly for an infant under 1 year old. For preschool programs, applying 6-9 months before the desired start date (often aligned with the school year) is prudent. When contacting providers, always ask about their current waitlist policy, estimated timeline, and if there's a fee to be placed on the list. Being flexible with your start date can improve your chances of securing a spot sooner.
What local resources or networks can help me connect with other parents and find trusted childcare recommendations in Gaylordsville?
Given Gaylordsville's tight-knit community, word-of-mouth is incredibly valuable. Start by joining local Facebook groups such as "New Milford, CT Community Forum" or "Gaylordsville Community Page," where parents often ask for and give recommendations. The **New Milford Youth Agency** and the **New Milford Public Library** are also hubs for family activities and may have bulletin boards with provider information or be able to offer guidance. For more formal support, you can contact the **Northwest Connecticut United Way's 2-1-1** service by dialing 211 or visiting their website. They can provide referrals to licensed childcare and early education resources specific to your zip code and needs.