The Best Daycare Centers in Marlborough, CT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Marlborough. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Marlborough
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Glastonbury offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and social-emotional skills. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through an app, and enrichment programs like yoga and music.
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Bright Horizons at Glastonbury
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Glastonbury provides high-quality early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes emergent, project-based learning. The center features secure facilities with coded entry, dedicated age-based classrooms, and outdoor learning environments. All lead teachers hold early childhood degrees and receive ongoing professional development. The program includes literacy development, math readiness, science exploration, and character education. They offer flexible scheduling options and maintain strong parent partnerships through daily communication and regular conferences.
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Creative Kids Learning Center
Creative Kids Learning Centers
Creative Kids Learning Center in nearby Hebron offers a comprehensive early childhood program with a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum. The center focuses on whole-child development through structured learning centers, hands-on activities, and outdoor exploration. Their qualified teaching staff maintains small group sizes and individualized attention. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-specific classrooms, and large outdoor play spaces. Program highlights include literacy enrichment, math concepts, creative arts, and social skills development, with regular progress reports and parent-teacher communication.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Marlborough, CT
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Marlborough, CT, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Marlborough, as in all of Connecticut, childcare providers must be licensed by the Office of Early Childhood (OEC). This includes family daycare homes (caring for up to 6 children) and childcare centers. Licensing ensures compliance with state regulations on staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks, and staff qualifications. To verify the license of any provider in Marlborough, you can use the OEC's online "Look Up a License" tool on their official website. It's highly recommended to check this status, as it confirms the program meets minimum state standards for health, safety, and programming.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Marlborough, CT?
Childcare costs in Marlborough are generally reflective of the Hartford County average, which is among the higher in the state. For full-time infant care, parents can expect to pay approximately $1,300 to $1,600 per month at a licensed center. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,100 to $1,400 monthly. Family daycare homes may offer slightly lower rates. It's important to note that these are estimates, and costs vary based on the program's curriculum, hours, and amenities. We recommend contacting providers directly for their current rates and inquiring about any available slots, as waitlists are common.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with childcare costs for families in Marlborough?
Yes, the primary program is the Care 4 Kids (C4K) subsidy, administered by Connecticut's Office of Early Childhood. This state-funded program provides financial assistance to eligible low- and moderate-income families residing in Marlborough to help pay for licensed childcare. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (e.g., employment, education). Applications are processed through the OEC website. Additionally, some local organizations or employers may offer dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or referral services, but C4K is the main subsidy resource for Marlborough residents.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Marlborough, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists in Marlborough can be significant. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. We strongly advise parents to begin their search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. Be proactive: call centers to inquire about their current list length, ask if they charge a waitlist fee, and confirm how often you should check in to maintain your spot.
What are some of the key differences between a licensed family daycare home and a childcare center in Marlborough?
The main differences lie in setting, scale, and structure. A licensed family daycare home operates out of the provider's residence in Marlborough, caring for a smaller, mixed-age group (up to 6 children, plus the provider's own). This often offers a more home-like, flexible environment. A childcare center is a dedicated facility with multiple classrooms, more children, and a structured schedule with multiple staff. Centers often have a formal curriculum and may offer amenities like commercial kitchens or larger outdoor play spaces. Both are licensed by the state, but parents should consider which environment—intimate and flexible versus structured and social—best suits their child's temperament and their family's needs. Touring both types in Marlborough is the best way to decide.
Nearby Cities
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