The Best Daycare Centers in Glastonbury, CT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Glastonbury. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Glastonbury
Glastonbury Child Development Center
Independent
Glastonbury Child Development Center is a NAEYC-accredited facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. The center features a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates STEAM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. Highly qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility includes secure access systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with natural lighting. Parents praise the center's strong communication, nutritious meal program, and focus on individual child development. The center serves children from 6 weeks through kindergarten age with extended hours to accommodate working families.
Daycare Services:
Apple Tree Children's Center
Independent
Apple Tree Children's Center operates with a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach that emphasizes child-directed learning and exploration. The center features dedicated art studios, sensory rooms, and outdoor learning environments. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with a focus on emergent curriculum based on children's interests. Safety protocols include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The center is noted for its organic meal program, extensive parent communication through daily reports and digital portfolios, and strong community partnerships. Multiple parents highlight the nurturing environment and exceptional staff retention rates.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Glastonbury
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Glastonbury offers a nationally recognized F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. The curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and creative arts with daily yoga and mindfulness activities. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the facility features state-of-the-art security systems, including keypad entry and surveillance. The school emphasizes STEAM education with dedicated science labs and technology integration. Parents consistently praise the school's structured yet flexible approach, comprehensive enrichment programs, and excellent communication through the proprietary mobile app for daily updates and photos.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Glastonbury, CT
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Glastonbury, CT?
In Glastonbury, full-time daycare costs are generally higher than the Connecticut state average due to the town's high quality of living and excellent school district. For an infant (under 18 months), parents can expect to pay between $1,500 to $2,100 per month. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,300 to $1,800 per month. These rates are for licensed daycare centers; home-based family childcare may be slightly less expensive. It's important to note that these fees often include meals and basic supplies, but you should always confirm what is included. Financial assistance may be available through the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood's Care 4 Kids program for eligible families.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Glastonbury, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers in Glastonbury can be significant, especially for infant rooms which have strict staff-to-child ratios. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, and sometimes longer for popular centers. For infant care, it is advisable to begin touring facilities and getting on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool openings, starting your search 4-6 months in advance is recommended. Many centers have a non-refundable waitlist fee. Be proactive, get on multiple lists, and check in periodically to update your status and express continued interest.
What are the key differences between a licensed daycare center and a licensed family childcare home in Glastonbury?
Both are licensed and regulated by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), but they offer different environments. Licensed **Centers** (like Glastonbury Early Childhood Center or corporate chains) are typically larger, located in commercial buildings, have multiple classrooms divided by age, and employ several teachers. They often follow a structured curriculum. Licensed **Family Childcare Homes** are run out of a provider's residence, caring for a smaller, mixed-age group of up to 6 children (or 9 with an assistant). This setting often provides a more home-like, flexible atmosphere and may be more accommodating to non-standard hours. Both must meet the same state health, safety, and educational standards, but the group size and setting are the primary differences for parents to consider.
Are there any local Glastonbury resources or programs to help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, the primary resource is the **Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) Provider Search website**. This free, state-run tool allows you to search for all licensed providers in Glastonbury by zip code (06033, 06073), view their licensing history, and see any reported violations. Locally, you can also contact the **Glastonbury Youth and Family Services** department for community referrals. Additionally, many parents rely on the "Glastonbury, CT Community Forum" Facebook group and other local parent networks for personal recommendations and experiences. The Glastonbury Public Library's children's department may also have bulletin boards with provider information.
What should I look for during a daycare tour specific to Connecticut's regulations and Glastonbury's standards?
During a tour, first verify the provider's **CT OEC license is current and prominently posted**. Ask about staff qualifications; lead teachers in a center should have at least an Associate's degree in early childhood education. Observe the staff-to-child ratios: for infants (6 weeks-12 months) it should be 1:4, and for toddlers (12-36 months) it should be 1:4 in a center or 1:6 in a home. Check for safety features like secured exits, covered electrical outlets, and safe sleep practices for infants (cribs, no loose bedding). Inquire about their emergency plans and how they handle communication with parents. Given Glastonbury's focus on education, ask about their curriculum and how they prepare children for the town's highly-rated public preschool and kindergarten programs.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Glastonbury: