The Best Daycare Centers in South Casco, ME
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in South Casco. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in South Casco
The Goddard School of Windham
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Windham offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social development with highly qualified teachers who hold degrees in early childhood education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and provide daily communication to parents about their child's activities and progress through the Goddard School mobile app.
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Creative Kids Learning Center
Creative Kids Learning Centers
Creative Kids Learning Center in Naples provides comprehensive childcare services with a play-based learning approach that incorporates Creative Curriculum®. Their program emphasizes social-emotional development, cognitive skills, and physical growth through structured activities and free play. The center features secure facilities with coded entry, nutritious meal programs, and experienced staff with ongoing professional development. They serve children from 6 weeks to 12 years and offer flexible scheduling options including full-time, part-time, and drop-in care.
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Raymond Village Church Daycare & Preschool
Raymond Village Church
Raymond Village Church Daycare & Preschool offers a nurturing Christian environment with a comprehensive early childhood education program. Their curriculum combines academic preparation with character development and spiritual growth, focusing on kindergarten readiness skills. The center features small class sizes, experienced early childhood educators, and a safe, home-like environment. They provide age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor play spaces, and regular communication with parents about developmental milestones. The program emphasizes social skills, emotional intelligence, and foundational academic concepts through hands-on learning experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in South Casco, ME
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in South Casco, ME?
In South Casco and the surrounding Lakes Region of Maine, daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed family childcare home, you can expect to pay approximately $175-$225 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. Center-based care is less common in the immediate South Casco area, but options in nearby towns like Naples or Windham may range from $225-$275 per week. These rates are generally lower than in more urban parts of Maine, like Portland, but availability is often limited. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and supplies. Many providers in this area require a non-refundable registration fee and may have specific policies for late pick-ups.
How can I find licensed and reputable childcare providers in South Casco, given its rural setting?
Due to South Casco's rural nature, finding childcare requires a proactive, local approach. Your primary resource should be the State of Maine's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Child Care Licensing search tool, which lists all licensed family childcare homes and centers. For a more community-focused search, contact the local school district (MSAD 61) for potential referrals, check community boards at the South Casco Post Office or the Casco Village Church, and join local Facebook groups like "Casco, Maine Community" where parents often share recommendations. Networking with other parents at the Casco Community Center or the Raymond-Casco Historical Society events can also yield trusted, word-of-mouth referrals for in-home providers who may not advertise widely.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in South Casco, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Yes, waitlists are a common challenge in South Casco and the broader Sebago Lakes region due to a high demand and limited number of providers, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for popular family childcare homes to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a waitlist fee, which is typically $25-$50. Follow up politely every few months to express continued interest. Consider expanding your search radius to include neighboring towns like Naples, Raymond, or even parts of Windham, and be flexible with your start date if possible.
What are Maine's specific licensing requirements for childcare providers that I should look for as a parent in South Casco?
All legal childcare providers in Maine caring for more than three unrelated children must be licensed by the Maine DHHS. Key requirements you can verify include: passing comprehensive background checks for all household members in a family home, completing pediatric first-aid and CPR certification, adhering to strict child-to-staff ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers), and meeting health and safety standards for the physical environment. Licensed providers also must complete ongoing training in topics like safe sleep for infants and child development. You have the right to ask any provider in South Casco for their license number and can verify their status and any history of compliance issues through the state's online database. Choosing a licensed provider ensures a baseline of safety and oversight.
Beyond traditional daycare, what alternative or part-time childcare options exist for families in South Casco?
Given the seasonal nature of the area with tourism around Sebago Lake, options can be flexible. For part-time or occasional care, consider inquiring about "drop-in" spots at licensed family homes, though these are rare. Some local providers may offer preschool-style programs for 3-5 year olds for half-days, which can be found through the MSAD 61 district's community education notices. For school-age children, the district-operated after-school program at the local elementary school is a key resource. During the summer, numerous day camps operate in the region, such as those focused on the lake or nature. Additionally, forming a small nanny-share with another family in your neighborhood is a popular alternative in this close-knit community, though you must ensure proper payroll and tax compliance if hiring a nanny.