The Best Daycare Centers in Easton, ME
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Easton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Easton
Little Learners of Easton
Independent
Little Learners of Easton is a highly-regarded local childcare center serving the Easton community with a comprehensive early childhood education program. The center features a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. Their qualified teaching staff maintains low student-teacher ratios and holds certifications in early childhood education. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas with natural elements, and follows strict safety protocols including secure entry systems. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, regular communication about child development, and the center's commitment to creating a home-like atmosphere while providing structured educational experiences.
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Kids Korner Preschool and Childcare
Independent
Located in nearby Presque Isle, Kids Korner serves families throughout Aroostook County including Easton residents. This center operates with a developmental approach to early education, focusing on individualized learning plans and milestone tracking. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through centers, outdoor exploration, and creative arts. The staff includes certified early childhood educators with extensive experience and ongoing professional development. Safety features include comprehensive background checks, secure facilities with surveillance, and strict health protocols. The center is noted for its family engagement programs, nutritious meal service, and flexible scheduling options that accommodate working parents in the region.
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Central Aroostook Children's Center
Non-profit Organization
As a well-established non-profit childcare center in Presque Isle, Central Aroostook Children's Center has served families from Easton and surrounding communities for nearly two decades. The center implements a research-based curriculum that blends play-based learning with structured academic preparation, particularly strong in literacy and mathematics readiness. Their qualified teaching team includes educators with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and specialized training in child development. The facility features modern classrooms, extensive age-appropriate learning materials, and secure outdoor play spaces. Parents consistently highlight the center's exceptional communication, inclusive environment, and commitment to preparing children for kindergarten success through documented developmental assessments and individualized attention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Easton, ME
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Easton, Maine, and how can I verify a facility is in good standing?
In Maine, all childcare providers caring for three or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). This includes family childcare homes and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a provider in Easton, you can use the state's online "Child Care Search" tool on the DHHS website, which shows their license status, any compliance history, and capacity. You can also contact the local licensing specialist for the region. It's highly recommended to visit any potential daycare in person to observe the environment and ask for their most recent licensing inspection report.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Easton, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Easton, waitlists for licensed childcare centers and popular family daycare homes can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, especially for infant care. It's advisable to begin your search and get on lists as early as possible, even during pregnancy. To improve your chances, contact all available providers in Easton and nearby towns like Presque Isle or Caribou. Be proactive: get on multiple lists, follow up every few months to confirm your spot, and be flexible with your start date if possible. Some providers may offer priority to siblings of current enrollees or local residents.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Easton, ME, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In Aroostook County, including Easton, childcare costs are generally lower than the state average but vary by type and age. For a licensed family childcare home, you might pay approximately $140-$180 per week for a preschooler. Center-based care can be slightly higher. Infant care is the most expensive. Financial help is available through the Maine Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP) for eligible families based on income, work, or school attendance. You apply through the DHHS Office for Family Independence. Additionally, local organizations or your employer may offer assistance, and you can claim the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit on your taxes.
Are there any unique childcare options in Easton that cater to the agricultural or seasonal lifestyle common in the area?
Yes, the rural and agricultural nature of Easton can influence childcare needs. Some licensed family childcare providers may offer more flexible or extended hours to accommodate farm families' early starts or seasonal busy periods. There are also limited seasonal or summer-only programs, sometimes connected with local community centers or the Easton School Department. For school-age children, the SAD 1 district may offer before/after-school programs. It's important to communicate your specific scheduling needs directly with providers, as they may be willing to create custom arrangements. Networking within the local farming community can also lead to discovering smaller, informal childcare cooperatives.
What resources are available in Easton to help me find and evaluate childcare, especially since it's a small town?
While Easton itself is small, several local and state resources can help. Your first stop should be the "Child Care Choices" resource line (1-877-680-5866) or website, which serves Maine and can provide referrals for licensed providers in your zip code. You can also contact the Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP), which serves the region and may have updated provider lists and support services. Don't underestimate local networks: ask for recommendations at the Easton Town Office, your pediatrician's office in Presque Isle, local churches, or community Facebook groups. Visiting and interviewing providers is crucial, and the state provides a helpful checklist of questions to ask during your visits.