The Best Daycare Centers in New Sharon, ME
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in New Sharon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in New Sharon
Kiddie Academy of Farmington
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Farmington is a highly-regarded educational childcare center located approximately 15 minutes from New Sharon. They implement the Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and real-time parent communication through the Kiddie Academy Mobile App. Certified teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios, and the facility includes age-appropriate learning environments, outdoor playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. Their educational approach emphasizes hands-on learning and school readiness.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Farmington
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Farmington serves the New Sharon area with a play-based learning approach that balances academic preparation with social development. Their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program incorporates STEAM learning, language arts, and creative expression. The facility features secure entry systems, daily cleanliness protocols, and certified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. Parents appreciate the comprehensive progress reports, daily activity updates, and flexible scheduling options. The school maintains excellent staff retention rates and focuses on developing foundational skills through structured play and guided discovery.
Daycare Services:
Creative Kids Childcare & Learning Center
Independent
Creative Kids is a locally-owned childcare center serving the Farmington/New Sharon region with a reputation for personalized care and strong community connections. Their curriculum blends Montessori-inspired activities with Maine's Early Learning Standards, focusing on individualized development tracking. The center features secure facilities with camera monitoring, allergy-aware meal programs, and extensive outdoor learning spaces including nature exploration areas. Staff members hold early childhood certifications and receive ongoing training in child development best practices. The center is particularly noted for its family engagement events, transparent communication, and commitment to inclusive education for all learning styles.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in New Sharon, ME
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in New Sharon, ME, and how do I find them?
In New Sharon, licensed childcare options primarily consist of Family Child Care (FCC) homes and a limited number of Child Care Centers. FCC providers operate out of their own homes and are licensed for a smaller number of children, offering a home-like environment. Due to the town's rural nature, dedicated childcare centers are less common, and families often look to providers in nearby towns like Farmington or Skowhegan. The best resource for finding licensed providers is the State of Maine's online Child Care Search tool, maintained by the Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS). You can filter by location, age group, and type of care. Additionally, local community boards at places like the New Sharon Post Office or the Mt. Blue Campus, and Facebook groups (e.g., "Franklin County, Maine Community Board") are valuable for word-of-mouth recommendations.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the New Sharon area?
Childcare costs in the New Sharon area are generally lower than in Maine's urban southern regions but can still be a significant expense for families. For a licensed Family Child Care home in Franklin County, you can expect to pay an average of $160 to $220 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. Rates may be slightly higher for infants due to required lower staff-to-child ratios. Some providers in the area may offer a reduced weekly rate for multiple children from the same family. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee (e.g., meals, snacks, supplies). For financial assistance, Maine offers the Child Care Subsidy Program through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), which eligible families in New Sharon can apply for.
Are waitlists common for daycare providers in New Sharon, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common due to the limited number of providers serving New Sharon and the surrounding rural communities. High-quality, licensed FCC homes often have limited slots, especially for infants, and can fill up quickly. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a return to work begin their search at least 6 to 9 months in advance. When contacting a provider, always ask about their current availability and waitlist policy. Some may charge a small fee to hold a spot. Being flexible with your start date can improve your chances. Exploring options in neighboring towns like Farmington (home to a community college and a university, which may have associated childcare centers) can also widen your search.
What are Maine's key licensing requirements for childcare providers that I should verify when choosing care in New Sharon?
All licensed providers in Maine, including those in New Sharon, must meet strict state standards. Key requirements you should verify include: 1) **Background Checks:** Comprehensive criminal history and DHHS background checks for all household members and staff. 2) **Training:** Providers must complete training in CPR/First Aid, Safe Sleep for infants, and recognizing and reporting child abuse. 3) **Ratios and Capacity:** For FCC homes, the ratio is typically 1 caregiver to no more than 4 children under school age, with a maximum capacity often capped at 12 children including the provider's own. 4) **Health and Safety:** The home must pass regular fire and health inspections. You can ask to see the provider's current license, which is issued by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, and check their compliance history online through the state's licensing portal.
Are there any unique childcare resources or programs for families in rural New Sharon, such as part-time, drop-in, or seasonal care?
Given New Sharon's agricultural and seasonal economy, consistent full-time, year-round care can be a challenge. However, some providers may offer more flexible arrangements. Part-time or drop-in care is less common in licensed settings but may be available through informal networks or registered (but not licensed) family friends or relatives. For seasonal needs, such as during the summer or harvest times, some FCC providers may have temporary openings. It's crucial to communicate your specific schedule needs upfront. Additionally, the local school district (RSU 9) offers pre-K programs for 4-year-olds, which is a part-day educational option. For school-age children, the district may offer before/after-school programs based at the Mt. Blue Campus, which serves multiple towns including New Sharon. Connecting with other local parents is often the best way to learn about informal or flexible care solutions.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near New Sharon: