The Best Daycare Centers in Poquonock, CT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Poquonock. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Poquonock
Bright Horizons at Windsor
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Windsor offers a comprehensive early education program with an emergent curriculum that adapts to children's interests and developmental needs. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their World at Their Fingertips curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development through hands-on learning. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. They provide nutritious meals and snacks and maintain strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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The Goddard School of Windsor
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Windsor provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that balances academic preparation with social development. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the school maintains rigorous safety protocols including secured entry and comprehensive background checks. The program includes Spanish language exposure, yoga, and music enrichment. The modern facility features bright classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and dedicated art and learning centers. Parents appreciate the detailed daily communication and the school's focus on developing confidence and independence in children.
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Windsor Academy Early Childhood Center
Windsor Academy
Windsor Academy Early Childhood Center offers a balanced approach to early education with a curriculum that combines structured learning with child-directed exploration. The center features experienced educators with specialized training in early childhood development and maintains small class sizes for individualized attention. Their program includes Montessori-inspired activities, literacy development, STEM exploration, and character education. The secure facility includes monitored access, age-specific learning environments, and extensive outdoor play areas. The center is known for its warm, family-like atmosphere and strong community connections, with regular family events and comprehensive transition support for school readiness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Poquonock, CT
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Poquonock, CT?
In Poquonock and the surrounding Windsor area, full-time daycare costs are generally aligned with the Connecticut state average, which is among the higher in the nation. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800 per month at a licensed center. For a toddler, costs typically range from $1,200 to $1,500 per month. Home-based family childcare in Poquonock is often slightly less expensive, ranging from $900 to $1,300 monthly. It's important to note that these are base rates; additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pick-up are common. Financial assistance is available through the state's Care 4 Kids subsidy program for eligible families, and some local centers may offer sibling discounts.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Poquonock?
All licensed childcare providers in Connecticut, including those in Poquonock, are regulated by the State of Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC). The OEC maintains a public, searchable online database called "Look Up A Child Care Program." You can search by program name, town (Windsor, as Poquonock is a village within it), or zip code. This report will show the provider's license status, capacity, ages served, and any serious compliance violations or substantiated complaints from the past three years. You can also call the OEC's Background Screening Unit at (860) 500-4450. We strongly recommend reviewing this report and asking the provider directly about any noted violations during your tour.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Poquonock, and when should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are a common challenge in Poquonock and the greater Hartford region, especially for infant care slots which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. For highly sought-after centers, waitlists can be 6 to 12 months long, or even longer. It is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. When contacting centers, ask specific questions: your child's position on the list, how often it's updated, if a deposit is required to hold a spot (and if it's refundable), and their typical turnover rate. Also consider expanding your search to nearby areas like Windsor, Bloomfield, and northern Hartford for more options.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically in the Poquonock area?
Parents in Poquonock have several licensed options. The primary types are: 1) **Childcare Centers**: These are larger facilities, like those you might find in nearby Windsor Center or along the Poquonock Avenue corridor, offering structured programs for multiple age groups. 2) **Family Childcare Homes**: Licensed providers caring for a smaller group of children (up to 6, plus school-aged siblings) in their own residence. These are often more home-like and can offer more flexible hours. 3) **Preschools**: Typically part-time programs for children ages 3-5, often affiliated with churches, schools, or community organizations. For school-aged children, the Windsor Public Schools district (which serves Poquonock) also offers before and after-school care programs at its elementary schools.
What local resources or organizations in Windsor/Poquonock can help me find and evaluate childcare?
A key local resource is the **Connecticut Association for Human Services (CAHS)**, which administers the statewide "211 Child Care" referral service. By dialing 2-1-1 or visiting their website, you can get a customized list of licensed providers in the Windsor (06095) zip code area based on your needs. Additionally, the **Windsor Early Childhood Council** is a local collaborative focused on early care and education. They may host resource fairs or have information on local preschool opportunities. For hands-on support, you can also contact the **Capital Region Education Council (CREC)'s Family Resource Center**, which serves the Hartford region including Windsor, for guidance and parenting workshops.