The Best Daycare Centers in Lebanon, ME
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lebanon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lebanon
Sunshine Garden Early Learning Center
Independent
Sunshine Garden Early Learning Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility known for its play-based learning curriculum that incorporates nature exploration and hands-on activities. The center features certified early childhood educators with low student-teacher ratios, emphasizing social-emotional development alongside academic readiness. Their secure facility includes age-appropriate outdoor play spaces, comprehensive safety protocols, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the center's warm, family-like atmosphere and strong communication between staff and families.
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The Children's Center of the Seacoast
Independent
Located just across the border in Rochester, this NAEYC-accredited center serves families throughout the Lebanon area with its comprehensive early childhood education program. The center employs a research-based curriculum focusing on whole-child development, with certified teachers implementing individualized learning plans. Features include state-of-the-art security systems, dedicated art and music rooms, and extensive outdoor learning environments. The center maintains excellent staff retention rates and offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families.
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Kindercare Learning Center - Somersworth
Kindercare Education
This nationally-recognized Kindercare facility serves the greater Lebanon area with a comprehensive early education program built on their proprietary Early Foundations curriculum. The center features highly-qualified teachers with ongoing professional development, modern security systems including keypad entry, and age-appropriate learning centers. Their program emphasizes literacy development, STEM exploration, and social skills through structured play and guided activities. The center offers transportation services for school-age children and maintains strong partnerships with local elementary schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lebanon, ME
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Lebanon, Maine, and how can I verify a provider's status?
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 qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. For Lebanon parents, you can verify a provider's license status and view any compliance history through the "Child Care Choices" online search tool on the Maine DHHS website. It's also recommended to contact the local DHHS licensing specialist for the Southern Maine region for any specific questions. Always ask to see a provider's current license during your visit.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers and in-home providers in the Lebanon area, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited provider availability in rural towns like Lebanon, waitlists can be significant. It's not uncommon for popular centers or well-regarded family childcare homes to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, especially for infant and toddler spots. Parents are strongly advised to begin their search during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before their needed start date. When contacting providers in Lebanon and surrounding towns (like Sanford, Rochester, or Milton), be sure to ask about their current list length, any fees to join the list, and how often they update families on their position.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in Lebanon, ME?
Childcare costs in Lebanon are generally lower than in Maine's metropolitan areas but can still be a significant household expense. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $180 and $220 per week for full-time infant care. A childcare center, which you would likely need to commute to in a nearby city like Sanford, could range from $220 to $280 per week. It's crucial to ask what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., meals, snacks, supplies). Maine offers financial assistance through the Child Care Subsidy Program for eligible families, and some providers may offer sibling discounts.
Are there any state or local resources in Maine to help me find and evaluate childcare options near Lebanon?
Yes, Maine has several key resources. Your primary point of contact should be **Child Care Choices**, a free referral service funded by the state. You can call them or use their online search to find licensed providers in York County and filter by location, age, and hours. Additionally, the non-profit **Caring Connections** (through York County Community Action Corp) can offer guidance and support. For evaluating quality, look for providers participating in Maine's **Quality for ME** rating system, which assesses programs on a star scale. While options directly in Lebanon may be limited, these resources will help you explore providers in the broader region.
What are my options for before- and after-school care for school-age children in Lebanon?
For children attending Lebanon Elementary School (MSAD 60), the district itself may offer a tuition-based before- and after-school program on-site. This is often the most convenient option. If the school program is full or unavailable, your alternatives include seeking a licensed family childcare home in Lebanon that offers school-age care and provides transportation to/from the school, or exploring programs in neighboring towns like Berwick or North Berwick. Some local organizations, such as the YMCA in Sanford, may also offer school transport from Lebanon. It's important to inquire about transportation logistics, schedule alignment with school half-days, and coverage during school vacations.