The Best Daycare Centers in Greenwood, ME
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Greenwood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Greenwood
Oxford Hills Child Care Center
Oxford Hills Child Care Center
Oxford Hills Child Care Center is a highly-regarded facility serving the Greenwood area with a play-based educational approach rooted in the Creative Curriculum. The center emphasizes individualized learning plans, low teacher-to-child ratios, and staff with degrees in early childhood education or related fields. Safety is prioritized through secure entry systems, regular drills, and sanitized environments. The program includes outdoor play in nature-based settings, nutritious meal programs, and strong parent communication via daily updates and portfolios tracking developmental milestones. Its longevity and community integration make it a trusted choice for families seeking comprehensive care from infancy through school age.
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The Children's Place
The Children's Place
The Children's Place offers a nurturing environment with a focus on whole-child development through a blend of Montessori and emergent curriculum principles. Certified teachers with specialized training in early literacy and STEM activities foster curiosity and social skills. The center features age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and strict health protocols, including allergy-safe meal plans. Parent involvement is encouraged through workshops and open communication, contributing to high satisfaction rates. Its commitment to inclusive education and flexible scheduling options supports diverse family needs in the Greenwood region.
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Norway Child Care Center
Norway Child Care Center
Norway Child Care Center is known for its strong emphasis on school readiness and social-emotional learning, utilizing the HighScope curriculum to promote active participation and critical thinking. The center employs qualified educators with CPR and first aid certifications, maintaining small class sizes for personalized attention. Facilities include modern learning centers, fenced outdoor play areas, and eco-friendly materials. Safety measures include background-checked staff and updated security systems. The center's robust summer camp and after-school programs, combined with consistent parent feedback mechanisms, make it a reliable option for Greenwood families seeking structured, engaging childcare.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Greenwood, ME
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Greenwood, Maine?
In Greenwood and the surrounding Oxford County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. Licensed family childcare homes typically range from $160 to $200 per week for infants and toddlers. Larger childcare centers in nearby towns like Norway or Bethel may charge between $185 and $240 per week. It's important to note that Maine offers childcare subsidy programs for eligible families through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Additionally, some providers may offer sliding scale fees. Due to Greenwood's rural nature, availability can be limited, so these spots are often in high demand.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Greenwood is properly licensed and what should I look for during a visit?
All licensed childcare providers in Maine are regulated by the state's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). You can verify a provider's license status, view their compliance history, and check for any serious violations by using the online "Child Care Search" tool on the Maine.gov website or by calling the DHHS licensing office. When visiting a potential daycare in Greenwood, ask to see their current license, observe caregiver-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), check for safe sleep practices for infants, inquire about their emergency plans for rural settings, and notice if children are engaged in activities. Also, ask about their policies for outdoor play, given Greenwood's access to natural environments.
Are there any licensed childcare centers directly in Greenwood, or will I need to look in neighboring towns?
Greenwood is a small, rural town without any large, licensed childcare centers within its immediate borders. Parents will typically need to look for care in neighboring communities such as Norway, South Paris, Bethel, or Oxford. However, Greenwood does have a small number of licensed family childcare homes, which operate out of a provider's residence. These home-based options can be an excellent fit for the community, often offering more flexible hours and a home-like environment. The Maine DHHS provider search is the best tool to find currently licensed homes in Greenwood's zip code (04255). Joining local community groups on social media can also help you discover smaller, unlisted family providers.
What is the waitlist situation for daycare in the Greenwood area, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to limited providers in Greenwood and the surrounding region, waitlists are common and can be lengthy, especially for infant care. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search during pregnancy, ideally 6 to 12 months before their needed start date. For family childcare homes in Greenwood, which may only have a handful of slots, waitlists can be informal but just as competitive. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and if they charge a fee to hold a spot. Being flexible with your start date and considering providers in multiple neighboring towns (Norway, Bethel) will increase your chances of securing a spot in a timely manner.
What resources are available for finding summer camps or school-age childcare programs for older children in Greenwood?
For school-age children, options include the SAD 17 school district's before and after-school programs, though transportation from Greenwood may be a consideration. During summer and school breaks, look to nearby towns for day camps. The Town of Greenwood itself may offer limited recreational programs; checking the town website or community bulletin board is advised. More consistently, the YMCA in nearby Paris and Bethel, the Mahoosuc Kids Association in Bethel, and various 4-H programs through the Oxford County Cooperative Extension offer summer day camps and childcare. These programs often fill quickly, so registration in early spring is crucial. Local churches sometimes host vacation bible school programs that can serve as short-term summer childcare.