The Best Daycare Centers in Oxford, CT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Oxford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Oxford
The Goddard School of Oxford
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Oxford offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms with hands-on learning centers. They emphasize STEAM learning, character development, and provide daily communication to parents through their proprietary mobile app. The school maintains rigorous health and safety protocols with regular sanitation and security monitoring.
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Bright Horizons at Seymour
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Seymour, located just minutes from Oxford, offers a comprehensive early education program with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The center features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees and specialized early childhood training. Their Emergent Curriculum adapts to children's interests while meeting developmental milestones. The facility includes secure keypad entry, dedicated age-separated playgrounds, and classrooms equipped with modern learning materials. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, maintain enhanced health and safety protocols, and offer flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Kiddie Academy of Southbury
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Southbury serves the Oxford community with their Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. Their program focuses on STEAM education, literacy development, and social-emotional learning through structured and play-based activities. The center features degreed teachers with ongoing professional development, secure electronic entry systems, and modern facilities with age-appropriate learning environments. They emphasize health and wellness with nutritious meal programs, outdoor play spaces, and comprehensive safety protocols. The academy provides real-time updates to parents through their mobile communication system and maintains small class sizes for individualized attention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Oxford, CT
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Oxford, CT?
In Oxford, CT, full-time daycare costs vary based on the type of program and the child's age. For center-based infant care, parents can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800 per month. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. Licensed home-based daycare options in Oxford and surrounding towns like Seymour or Southbury may be slightly less expensive, often ranging from $900 to $1,300 monthly. These rates are influenced by factors such as staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, facility amenities, and whether meals are provided. It's important to note that Connecticut does not have any county-level regulations that would significantly alter these costs specifically for Oxford, so they are generally in line with the Naugatuck Valley region.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Oxford?
All licensed childcare providers in Oxford, CT, are regulated by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC). Parents can use the OEC's online "Look Up a License" portal to search for any licensed center or family childcare home. This tool provides the provider's current license status, capacity, ages served, and any serious compliance violations or corrective action plans from recent inspections. For a more detailed report, you can contact the OEC's Licensing Division directly. Additionally, it's highly recommended to visit any potential daycare in person, ask the director for their most recent inspection report, and check for their license certificate visibly posted on-site, as required by state law.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Oxford, and how far in advance should I apply?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded daycare centers in Oxford and the immediate region, such as those affiliated with the Oxford Public Schools' early childhood programs or well-established private centers. For infant care, it is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as during your pregnancy, ideally 6-12 months before your needed start date. For toddler and preschool openings, applying 3-6 months in advance is prudent. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often is it updated? What is the typical wait time? Exploring options in neighboring towns like Beacon Falls or Middlebury can also increase your chances of securing a spot sooner.
What unique childcare or preschool programs are available through the Oxford Public School system?
The Oxford Public School District offers several key early childhood programs. The district operates a state-funded School Readiness program, which provides high-quality, subsidized preschool for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, with priority given to Oxford residents. They also run integrated preschool special education classrooms. Furthermore, Oxford High School houses a nationally recognized Early Childhood Education pathway for students, which includes an on-site laboratory preschool. This lab school often has openings for community children (typically ages 3-5) to attend, providing a high-quality, low-cost option under the supervision of certified teachers and high school students in training. Contact the Oxford Board of Education's central office for application details and eligibility requirements for these specific programs.
What resources are available in Oxford to help me find and evaluate local home-based daycare providers?
A primary resource is the **Connecticut Care 4 Kids** program, which not only provides financial assistance but also offers a referral service through its website or hotline, helping parents find licensed providers in Oxford. For evaluating providers, the **Oxford Town Hall** can direct you to local community groups or bulletins where home daycares may advertise. The **Naugatuck Valley Health District** oversees health and safety regulations for some home providers in the area, and their reports can be insightful. Most importantly, network with other parents through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Oxford CT Community Forum") or at places like the Oxford Public Library's children's programs for personal recommendations and firsthand reviews of home daycares in our specific community. Always ensure any home provider is licensed by the OEC.