The Best Daycare Centers in Harrington, ME
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Harrington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Harrington
The Little Red School House
Independent
The Little Red School House is a highly-regarded early childhood education center serving the Harrington area with a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum. They emphasize hands-on learning through structured activities and free play, focusing on social-emotional development, literacy, and kindergarten readiness. The center features qualified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, secure facilities with age-appropriate classrooms, and nutritious meal programs. Their outdoor play area supports physical development and nature exploration, while their comprehensive safety protocols and regular communication with parents make them a trusted choice in the region.
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Cherryfield Child Care Center
Independent
Cherryfield Child Care Center provides high-quality early childhood education with a focus on individualized learning and whole-child development. Their curriculum integrates STEM activities, creative arts, and literacy development while maintaining strong emphasis on social skills and emotional intelligence. The center employs state-certified early childhood teachers who participate in ongoing professional development. Facilities include secure, monitored access, age-specific learning environments, and outdoor play spaces designed for safe exploration. The center is known for its inclusive approach, cultural diversity awareness, and strong parent-teacher partnerships through regular progress updates and family engagement events.
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Down East Family YMCA Child Care Center
Down East Family YMCA
The Down East Family YMCA Child Care Center offers a comprehensive early childhood program rooted in the YMCA's values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Their research-based curriculum focuses on cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development through structured learning centers and play-based activities. The center features highly qualified staff with CPR/first aid certification and ongoing professional training in early childhood education. Facilities include secure entry systems, modern classrooms with developmentally appropriate materials, and access to YMCA amenities including gymnasiums and swimming pools for older children. The program emphasizes character development, healthy living, and community involvement while providing flexible scheduling options for working families throughout the Harrington service area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Harrington, ME
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Harrington, Maine?
In Harrington and the surrounding Washington County area, daycare costs are generally lower than in Maine's urban centers, but they reflect the local economy and limited supply. For full-time care (5 days a week), you can expect to pay approximately $150 to $225 per week for an infant or toddler at a licensed family childcare home. Center-based care is less common in this rural area, but if available, costs might be slightly higher. It's important to inquire about what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and supplies. Many providers in Harrington offer flexible rates for siblings. We strongly recommend contacting the Child Care Subsidy Program through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to see if you qualify for financial assistance, as this can significantly offset costs for eligible families.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Harrington is properly licensed and what are Maine's key regulations for childcare?
All licensed childcare providers in Harrington must be registered with the State of Maine's Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS). You can verify a provider's license status and review their compliance history by using the online "Child Care Search" tool on the Maine DHHS website. Key state regulations for licensed providers include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers), maximum group sizes, required background checks for all staff, health and safety training (including CPR/First Aid), and regular facility inspections. In a small community like Harrington, many parents also rely on personal referrals, but always confirm official licensing. Unlicensed care is legal for up to three children unrelated to the provider, but it is not subject to state oversight.
Are there long waitlists for daycare openings in Harrington, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot?
Due to the limited number of providers in a rural town like Harrington, waitlists are common, especially for infant care. It is not unusual for popular family childcare homes to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. The best strategy is to start your search early, ideally during pregnancy. Contact all licensed providers in Harrington and neighboring towns like Milbridge or Cherryfield to inquire about availability and get on multiple waitlists. Be prepared to provide a deposit to hold a future spot. Networking through local community groups, such as the Harrington Parent-Teacher Organization or Facebook community pages, can also provide leads on upcoming openings or newly licensed providers.
What types of childcare settings are most common in Harrington, and what are the pros and cons of each?
The most common childcare settings in Harrington are licensed family childcare homes, where care is provided in the provider's residence. This is due to the town's rural nature and smaller population. The pros of a family home setting in Harrington often include a home-like atmosphere, mixed-age groups (which can be good for siblings), potential flexibility in hours, and a provider who is deeply embedded in the local community. Cons can include less structured curriculum, dependency on a single provider's health/vacation schedule, and limited spaces. Center-based preschools or daycares are rare within Harrington itself; parents often look to programs in larger nearby towns like Machias for center-based options, which offer more structured education but involve a longer commute.
What resources are available in Harrington to help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
The primary local resource is the **Child Care Resource Development Center (CCRDC) at the University of Maine at Machias**, which serves Washington County, including Harrington. They offer a free referral service to help parents find licensed and legally-operating unlicensed providers. You can contact them by phone or through their website for a customized list. Additionally, the **Harrington Town Office** may have information on local providers, and the local school district (MSAD #37) can sometimes provide guidance on preschool programs. For evaluation, beyond checking the state's online licensing portal, we recommend scheduling in-person visits, asking for references from other Harrington families, and using the Maine DHHS checklist for choosing quality childcare, which covers safety, interactions, and programming.
Childcare Insights for Harrington
As the school year winds down, many parents in Harrington find themselves facing the annual question: what are the best summer childcare options near me? The quiet beauty of our Washington County community, with its stunning coastline and close-knit feel, is a wonderful place to raise a family, but it also means our local childcare landscape is unique. Finding the right fit for your children during the summer months requires a blend of early planning and an understanding of what our specific area offers.
The search for summer childcare in Harrington often begins with exploring local in-home daycare providers. These smaller, family-like settings can be ideal, offering consistency and a personalized touch. It’s wise to start inquiries as early as spring, as spots in these cherished local homes fill quickly. Don’t hesitate to ask for references from other Harrington parents and to discuss their planned summer activities—are there trips to the playground, nature walks, or time spent exploring the shore? Given our location, many providers incorporate the natural world into daily play, which is a tremendous benefit for growing children. Another excellent avenue is to connect with the Harrington Elementary School or local community boards; they can sometimes point you toward summer programs or reputable sitters who are teachers or college students home for the season.
For school-aged children, expanding your search to neighboring towns like Milbridge or Cherryfield can open up more structured day camp possibilities. While not directly in Harrington, a short drive can provide access to programs that might focus on arts, sports, or marine science, leveraging our Downeast environment. When evaluating any program, whether in-home or a center, consider the practicalities of a Harrington summer. Ask about sunscreen and bug spray policies, hydration during hot days, and their protocol for rainy-day activities. Given that we’re a bit off the beaten path, confirming their transportation plans for any field trips is also a key safety point.
Ultimately, the best summer childcare near you will balance reliability with the kind of engaging, active experience that makes a childhood in Maine so special. Trust your instincts as a parent—schedule a visit, observe how the caregivers interact with the children, and see if the atmosphere feels welcoming and safe. A good provider in our area will understand the rhythm of a Harrington summer and will be eager to share how they plan to fill your child’s days with discovery and joy. By starting your search with these local considerations in mind, you can secure a summer solution that gives you peace of mind and gives your child a season of wonderful memories right here in our own community.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Harrington: