The Best Daycare Centers in Stevenson, CT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Stevenson. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Stevenson
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Monroe serves the Stevenson area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. Features state-certified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure keypad entry systems, and live streaming cameras for parent connectivity. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated art studios, and modern classrooms with natural lighting. Emphasizes low student-teacher ratios and individualized learning plans.
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Bright Horizons at Trumbull
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons in Trumbull provides premium early education with their World at Their Fingertips® curriculum, focusing on emergent literacy, mathematics, and scientific thinking. Features highly qualified educators with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and ongoing professional development. The center maintains enhanced health and safety protocols including air purification systems, comprehensive security measures, and rigorous cleaning procedures. Offers enriched learning environments with smartboard technology, dedicated motor skills rooms, and nature-inspired outdoor classrooms. Parents appreciate the strong communication through daily digital reports and regular developmental assessments.
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Creative Minds Early Learning Center
Creative Minds Early Learning Centers
Creative Minds Early Learning Center in Fairfield serves Stevenson families with a balanced approach that combines structured academic preparation with creative expression. Their research-based curriculum emphasizes literacy development, mathematical reasoning, and social-emotional learning through project-based activities. Features certified early childhood educators with specialized training in differentiated instruction and inclusive practices. The center offers secure facilities with biometric entry systems, commercial-grade air filtration, and allergy-aware meal programs. Standout features include extensive outdoor learning gardens, integrated technology stations, and comprehensive enrichment programs including music, yoga, and foreign language exposure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Stevenson, CT
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Stevenson, CT, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Stevenson, CT, full-time daycare for infants typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,200 to $1,600 per month. These costs are influenced by factors such as the center's accreditation, staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities like meals or enrichment programs. For financial assistance, Connecticut's Office of Early Childhood (OEC) administers the Care 4 Kids program, which provides subsidies to eligible families based on income, family size, and need. Additionally, some local daycare centers in Stevenson may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's highly recommended to contact the OEC directly and inquire with individual providers about their specific financial policies and any potential waitlists for subsidized spots.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Stevenson?
All licensed childcare providers in Stevenson, CT, are regulated by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC). Parents can use the OEC's online "Child Care Finder" tool to search for licensed providers by town. This public portal displays each program's license status, capacity, age ranges served, and any serious licensing violations or complaints that have been substantiated. For a more detailed report, including full inspection histories, you can submit a public records request to the OEC. It's also a best practice to ask the provider directly for their license number and to see their most recent inspection report, which they are required to have on-site. Always ensure the provider is licensed, as this guarantees they meet state-mandated health, safety, and staff training standards.
Are there many in-home family daycare options in Stevenson, and how do they compare to larger childcare centers?
Stevenson offers a mix of both licensed family daycare homes and larger childcare centers. Family daycare homes, often caring for 6-12 children in a residential setting, can provide a more intimate, home-like environment with mixed-age groups and potentially more flexible hours. They are also licensed by the CT OEC but may have different regulations than centers. Centers typically offer more structured educational curricula, larger facilities with dedicated classrooms, and multiple staff members. Availability for infants in family homes can be very limited in Stevenson, with often just 1-2 spots for children under 2. Both options have rigorous state standards, so the choice often comes down to parental preference for environment, schedule, and educational philosophy. Networking through local parent groups or the Stevenson community page can be helpful for discovering smaller, licensed home-based providers.
What is the average waitlist time for infant daycare spots in Stevenson, and how early should I start looking?
Due to high demand and strict infant-to-staff ratios, waitlists for infant daycare (children under 18 months) in Stevenson can be significant. It is common for parents to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and for the most sought-after centers, it can be even longer. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible—ideally during the first trimester of pregnancy or even before if you are planning. When touring facilities, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often should you check in? Do they offer priority for siblings? Being proactive and persistent is key. Exploring a combination of centers and licensed family daycare homes can increase your chances of securing a spot when needed.
What are some key questions to ask during a daycare tour specific to regulations and practices in Connecticut?
Beyond general questions about curriculum and daily routines, parents in Stevenson should ask Connecticut-specific questions to ensure safety and compliance. Key questions include: 1) "What is your staff-to-child ratio for my child's age group, and how does it compare to CT's minimum requirements?" (CT law requires 1:4 for infants). 2) "Are all caregivers certified in Pediatric First Aid and CPR, and do they complete the mandatory OEC-approved health and safety training?" 3) "What is your sick child policy, and how do you align with CT's exclusion guidelines for illness?" 4) "Can you explain your emergency preparedness plan for events like lockdowns or evacuations, as required by the state?" 5) "How do you handle medication administration, and are your procedures documented per OEC regulations?" Asking these detailed questions demonstrates due diligence and helps you assess the provider's commitment to exceeding minimum state standards.