The Best Daycare Centers in Sabattus, ME
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sabattus. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sabattus
Sabattus Child Care
Independent
Sabattus Child Care is a highly-regarded local facility offering comprehensive childcare services for children from infancy through school age. The center features a play-based learning approach combined with structured educational activities, focusing on social-emotional development and school readiness. Staff members are certified in early childhood education and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and provides nutritious meals. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, experienced staff, and strong community connections. The center is licensed by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and maintains excellent safety records.
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The Goddard School of Auburn
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located just 10 minutes from Sabattus, The Goddard School of Auburn offers a premier early childhood education program with FLEX Learning Program curriculum that balances academic learning with creative play. The facility features state-of-the-art security systems, including keypad entry and comprehensive monitoring. Highly qualified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with focus on literacy, STEM, and social skills. The school maintains excellent staff retention rates and low student-teacher ratios. Parents highlight the professional communication, clean facilities, and exceptional preparation for elementary school. The center serves many families from the Sabattus area and provides flexible scheduling options.
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Sunshine Kids Childcare & Learning Center
Independent
Sunshine Kids Childcare & Learning Center, located approximately 8 miles from Sabattus, provides a warm, family-oriented environment with comprehensive educational programs. The center uses Creative Curriculum combined with hands-on learning experiences in literacy, mathematics, and science. All staff are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing professional development requirements. The facility includes secure indoor and outdoor play spaces, age-specific learning centers, and follows strict health and safety protocols. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, individualized attention to children's needs, and the development of strong foundational skills. The center offers full-time and part-time options with extended hours to accommodate working families from Sabattus and surrounding communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sabattus, ME
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Sabattus, Maine?
In Sabattus and the surrounding Androscoggin County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately $200 to $275 per week for infant care. For toddlers, the cost may drop slightly to around $180 to $250 per week. Licensed family childcare homes in Sabattus often offer more competitive rates, typically ranging from $160 to $220 per week for full-time care. These costs are generally in line with the Maine state average. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Additionally, Maine offers childcare subsidy programs for eligible families through the Office of Child and Family Services, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Sabattus is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare providers in Maine caring for three or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). To verify a provider's license and review their history, you can use the official "Child Care Choices" online search tool provided by the State of Maine. Simply visit the Maine DHHS website and navigate to their childcare licensing section. You can search by town (Sabattus) or provider name. This public portal will show you the provider's current license status, capacity, ages served, and any serious licensing violations or corrective action plans from the past few years. You can also contact the local DHHS licensing specialist for the region for more detailed information. Always choose a licensed provider to ensure they meet state standards for health, safety, and staff qualifications.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Sabattus, and what's the best strategy to secure a spot?
Due to high demand and limited supply, especially for infant care, many providers in Sabattus and the greater Lewiston-Auburn area do maintain waitlists. It is very common for popular centers and highly-regarded family homes to have waitlists that are several months long. The best strategy is to start your search early, ideally 6-12 months before you need care, especially if you have an infant. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists. Be proactive and follow up every few months to express continued interest. Consider expanding your search to neighboring towns like Lisbon, Greene, or Wales for more options. Also, inquire about "sibling priority" policies if you have another child, as this can sometimes move you up the list. Flexibility with your start date can also be advantageous.
What are the options for part-time or non-traditional hour childcare in Sabattus?
Finding part-time or non-traditional hour care (evenings, weekends) in a smaller community like Sabattus can be challenging, as most licensed centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM schedule. Your best bet for flexible schedules is often licensed family childcare homes. Some home providers may offer part-time slots, drop-in care, or accommodate shift workers for an adjusted fee. It's crucial to communicate your specific schedule needs upfront. For true non-traditional hours, you may need to look into in-home nanny shares with other local families or utilize regional referral services like "Caring Connections" through the local resource hub, which can help match parents with providers willing to work atypical hours. There are very few, if any, 24-hour childcare centers in the immediate area.
What resources are available in Sabattus to help me find and evaluate local daycare providers?
The primary local resource for finding childcare is the "Caring Connections" referral program, which is part of the Community Concepts network serving Androscoggin County, including Sabattus. This free service maintains a database of licensed providers and can match you based on your location, child's age, schedule, and budget. You can contact them online or by phone. Additionally, the "Sabattus Community Facebook Group" and other local parent groups on social media are invaluable for getting personal recommendations and honest reviews from other families. For evaluation, beyond checking the state's online licensing portal, schedule in-person tours and come prepared with a list of questions about daily routines, discipline policies, teacher qualifications, and emergency procedures. Observing how staff interact with children during your visit is one of the most important evaluation tools you have.