The Best Daycare Centers in Cherryfield, ME
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Cherryfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Cherryfield
Cherryfield Child Care Center
Independent
Cherryfield Child Care Center is a highly-regarded local facility serving the Narraguagus River region with comprehensive early childhood programs. The center emphasizes play-based learning within a structured environment, incorporating Maine's Early Learning Standards. Their experienced staff includes certified early childhood educators with specialized training in infant development and preschool curriculum. The facility features secure indoor classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers and an expansive outdoor play area with natural elements. Parents consistently praise the center's family-like atmosphere, nutritious meal program using locally-sourced ingredients, and strong communication about child development milestones. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and has perfect state licensing compliance records.
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Little Sebago Learning Center
Regional Childcare Network
Located just 8 miles from Cherryfield in neighboring Milbridge, Little Sebago Learning Center serves families throughout Washington County with a nature-inspired curriculum. The center utilizes the Creative Curriculum system while incorporating outdoor exploration and environmental education unique to coastal Maine. Certified teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education lead classrooms featuring STEM learning stations, literacy corners, and creative arts areas. The facility includes secure access systems, comprehensive health and safety protocols, and modern learning technology. Parents highlight the center's strong academic preparation for kindergarten, daily outdoor activities regardless of weather, and flexible scheduling options for working families. The center maintains a 4-star rating in Maine's Quality Rating System.
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ABC Child Development Center
ABC Early Learning Centers
Serving families throughout Hancock and Washington counties from their Ellsworth location approximately 25 miles from Cherryfield, ABC Child Development Center offers a comprehensive early education program with research-based curriculum. The center implements HighScope educational approach with emphasis on active participatory learning and child-initiated activities. Their qualified teaching staff includes professionals with advanced certifications in early childhood special education and bilingual education. The modern facility features purpose-built classrooms, dedicated infant suites with separate sleeping areas, and multiple secured playgrounds by age group. The center is noted for its strong parent partnership program, regular developmental assessments, and enrichment activities including music, movement, and early literacy programs. They maintain excellent state inspection records and participate in Maine's Child Care Food Program.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Cherryfield, ME
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Cherryfield, Maine, and how do I find them?
In Cherryfield and the surrounding Washington County area, licensed childcare options primarily include Family Child Care (FCC) homes and potentially small Child Care Centers. FCC providers are licensed to care for a smaller number of children in their own residences, which is a common model in rural communities like ours. To find licensed providers, your primary resource is the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Child Care Search tool available online. You can filter by zip code (04622) and program type. Additionally, contacting the local Child Care Resource Development Center at the Washington Hancock Community Agency (WHCA) can provide personalized referrals and information on current openings in the region.
Are there long waitlists for childcare in Cherryfield, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small, rural town like Cherryfield, waitlists are common and can be lengthy, sometimes several months to a year, especially for infant care. To improve your chances, it's crucial to start your search early—ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Contact all licensed providers in Cherryfield and neighboring towns (like Milbridge or Harrington) to get on multiple lists. Be proactive and check in every few months to update your interest. Exploring Family Child Care homes, which may have more flexible capacity, is also a key strategy in this area.
How much does full-time childcare typically cost in Cherryfield, and is there any financial assistance available?
Costs in Cherryfield are generally lower than in Maine's urban centers, but they reflect the local economy. For a Family Child Care home, you might expect to pay approximately $150-$200 per week for full-time care for a preschooler. Infant and toddler care is often more expensive. Financial assistance is available through the Maine Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP), administered by DHHS. Eligibility is based on income, work, or school requirements. Many local providers accept these subsidies. You can apply through My Maine Connection, and the WHCA can also help guide you through the application process.
What are Maine's licensing requirements for childcare providers, and how can I verify a provider's license and compliance history?
All childcare providers caring for three or more unrelated children must be licensed by the State of Maine's DHHS. Licensing ensures health, safety, and developmental standards are met, including staff background checks, safe environments, and appropriate child-to-staff ratios. You can verify a provider's license status and review their compliance history, including any licensing violations, through the public-facing "Check a License" portal on the Maine DHHS website. This is a critical step for parents in Cherryfield to ensure the provider is in good standing. You can also ask the provider directly to see their current license certificate.
Given Cherryfield's rural location, what should I look for in a childcare provider regarding emergency preparedness and communication?
In a rural area like Cherryfield with potential for severe weather, power outages, and limited immediate emergency services, a provider's emergency plan is paramount. When interviewing providers, ask specific questions: Do they have a written emergency evacuation and relocation plan? What is their protocol for communication during power/phone outages? How do they handle medical emergencies given the distance to hospitals (like Down East Community Hospital in Machias)? A good provider will have clear plans, backup supplies (food, water, heat), and a reliable method for updating parents (which may include text messages or a designated contact chain). Also, inquire about their transportation policies if they ever need to leave the premises.