The Best Daycare Centers in Washington, CT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Washington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Washington
Primrose School of New Milford
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of New Milford offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® approach that blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, science, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences. Features include secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meals prepared on-site. Teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios and hold early childhood education credentials. The school serves as a premier early education option for families in the Washington area seeking a structured, developmentally appropriate program with strong parent communication and documented learning outcomes.
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Small Wonders Childcare and Learning Center
Independent
Small Wonders provides a nurturing, play-based learning environment with a focus on social-emotional development and school readiness. The center features a comprehensive curriculum that includes literacy, mathematics, science exploration, and creative arts. Safety protocols include secure access, regular safety drills, and comprehensive staff background checks. Experienced teachers create individualized learning plans and maintain detailed developmental portfolios. The center emphasizes outdoor play in their fenced playground and offers flexible scheduling to accommodate working families. Parents consistently praise the caring staff and the center's warm, family-oriented atmosphere.
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New Morning School and Child Care
Independent
New Morning School offers a nature-inspired educational approach that integrates outdoor learning with traditional academic preparation. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on exploration, environmental awareness, and developmental milestones. The facility features spacious classrooms, dedicated infant rooms, and extensive outdoor play areas with natural elements. Teachers are certified in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The center maintains strict health and safety protocols including comprehensive cleaning procedures and secure facility access. Parents appreciate the school's focus on whole-child development and the strong sense of community among families and staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Washington, CT
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Washington, CT, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Washington, CT, full-time daycare or preschool for an infant or toddler typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,900 per month, while preschool for children ages 3-5 may cost between $1,100 and $1,600 per month. These costs reflect the area's higher cost of living and the often lower child-to-staff ratios in smaller, community-based programs. For financial assistance, Connecticut's Office of Early Childhood administers the Care 4 Kids program, which provides subsidies to eligible families based on income, family size, and need. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or scholarships. It's highly recommended to contact providers directly and inquire about openings in the state subsidy program, as spots can be limited.
How long are waitlists for licensed daycare centers and home-based providers in Washington, and how can I improve my chances of securing a spot?
Waitlists in Washington, CT, can be significant, especially for infant care and highly-regarded preschools, with waits of 6 to 18 months not uncommon. This is due to the town's rural nature and limited number of providers. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple providers—including licensed family childcare homes in surrounding towns like Woodbury or Litchfield—to get on multiple lists. Be proactive: follow up with a polite email or call every few months to confirm your continued interest. Consider flexible start dates and be prepared to pay a deposit to hold a spot when one is offered.
What are the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a licensed family childcare home in Connecticut, and how do I verify a provider's license?
In Connecticut, licensed childcare centers are facilities in commercial or institutional buildings serving larger groups of children with multiple staff, often following a structured educational curriculum. Licensed family childcare homes operate out of the provider's residence, offering a smaller, home-like setting for a mixed-age group (typically up to 6 children, with specific ratios). Both are regulated by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC). To verify a provider's license, compliance history, and any reported violations, you must use the OEC's online "Look Up a License" portal. This public database is the most reliable source for checking a provider's current licensing status and any enforcement actions in Washington or anywhere in the state.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available in the Washington, CT area?
Yes, the rural and wooded landscape of Washington and the surrounding Litchfield Hills has fostered a growing interest in nature-based programs. While options within the town itself may be limited, several nearby programs offer outdoor-focused curricula. These may include forest schools or preschools with dedicated outdoor classrooms that prioritize daily outdoor exploration in all weather. It's common for these programs to be located on private farms or conserved land in towns like Roxbury, Kent, or New Milford. When researching, look for keywords like "nature-based," "outdoor preschool," or "Waldorf-inspired." Be prepared for potentially longer commute times and inquire about their specific policies for inclement weather.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare in Washington, and what are some local-specific questions I should ask?
During a tour, observe the cleanliness, safety (secured exits, covered outlets), and the warmth of interactions between staff and children. In Washington, also pay attention to outdoor play spaces—are they secure, shaded, and equipped for different ages? Given the town's setting, ask about their policy for tick checks after outdoor time. Key local questions to ask include: "What is your plan for snow days or power outages, which can be more common in this area?" "Do you participate in any partnerships with the Washington Primary School for pre-K transition?" "How do you incorporate the local community or environment (like trips to the Steep Rock Preserve) into your program?" Finally, ask for references from current Washington-area parents.
Nearby Cities
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