The Best Daycare Centers in Sharon, CT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sharon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sharon
Primrose School of Brookfield
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Brookfield offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. Their approach focuses on whole-child development with dedicated spaces for literacy, math, science, and creative arts. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and certified teachers with ongoing professional development. They emphasize character development and social-emotional learning while maintaining low student-teacher ratios. The school provides nutritious meals and has strong parent communication through a dedicated app.
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Bright Horizons at Danbury
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Danbury provides a research-based curriculum called The World at Their Fingertips, focusing on language, literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, including keypad entry and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive continuous training. The facility includes dedicated art studios, music rooms, and outdoor learning environments. They emphasize project-based learning and maintain detailed developmental portfolios for each child.
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The Goddard School of Brookfield
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Brookfield (located in Bethel) offers the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their STEAM-focused curriculum includes robotics, coding, and foreign language exposure. The facility features secure classrooms with observation windows, multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, and comprehensive safety protocols. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education, and the school maintains a 1:6 teacher-student ratio for younger children. They provide daily updates through a proprietary mobile app and host regular family engagement events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sharon, CT
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Sharon, CT, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Sharon, CT, full-time daycare or preschool for an infant or toddler typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,800 per month, while preschool for children aged 3-5 may cost between $900 and $1,400 per month. These costs reflect the rural nature of Litchfield County and the generally lower caregiver-to-child ratios many local providers offer. For financial assistance, Connecticut's Care 4 Kids program is the primary state-subsidized option for eligible families based on income and need. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth inquiring with the Sharon Town Hall or the Northwest Corner Child Care Committee, as they sometimes have information on local grants or scholarships for residents.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Sharon is properly licensed and what are Connecticut's key regulations for child-to-staff ratios?
All licensed daycare providers in Connecticut, including those in Sharon, are regulated by the Office of Early Childhood (OEC). You can verify a provider's license, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance issues by using the "Look Up a License" tool on the OEC website. Key child-to-staff ratios in Connecticut are: for infants (6 weeks-12 months), 1 staff to 4 children; for toddlers (12-36 months), 1 staff to 4 children; and for preschoolers (3-5 years), 1 staff to 10 children. Family daycare homes have different ratios. Always confirm the provider's current license status and review their latest OEC visit summary before enrolling your child.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers or home-based providers in Sharon, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot?
Due to Sharon's small population and limited number of providers, quality daycare spots, especially for infants and toddlers, can be competitive and often involve waitlists of 6 to 12 months or more. The best strategy is to start your search early, ideally during pregnancy. Create a list of all licensed options in Sharon and nearby towns like Salisbury, Cornwall, or Kent. Contact providers to get on their waitlists, even if you're not yet ready for care. Be persistent with follow-up calls every few months. Consider a mix of licensed family daycare homes and centers to increase your options. Networking through local parent groups on social media or community boards can also uncover unadvertised openings.
What types of childcare settings are most common in a small town like Sharon, and how do I choose between a center and a home-based program?
In a rural town like Sharon, licensed family daycare homes are very common, often operating out of a caregiver's residence. There are also a limited number of preschool or early learning centers, which may be part of a community organization or private school. Family daycare homes often offer a smaller, more home-like environment with mixed-age groups and potentially more flexible hours. Centers typically provide a more structured curriculum, multiple staff members, and dedicated facilities. Your choice should depend on your child's temperament, your schedule, and your priorities (e.g., socialization vs. a family setting). Visit both types, ask about their daily routines, safety protocols, and philosophies, and trust your instincts about where your child would thrive.
Beyond traditional daycare, what are the part-time, drop-in, or summer childcare options for families in Sharon?
Given Sharon's size, traditional drop-in daycare is very rare. However, part-time options (e.g., 2-3 days a week) are sometimes available at local preschools for children aged 3 and up. For school-age children, the Sharon Elementary School may offer before- and after-school programs. During the summer, look for day camps run by the Sharon Recreation Department, the Hotchkiss Summer Portal (offering various programs in nearby Lakeville), or camps at institutions like the Sharon Audubon Center. For occasional care, building a network of trusted local babysitters, often found through community recommendations or boards at the Sharon Pharmacy or Town Hall, is the most practical solution for many families.