The Best Daycare Centers in Burlington, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Burlington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Burlington
Bright Horizons at Burlington
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Burlington offers a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on school readiness and developmental milestones. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, literacy development, and STEM activities. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, maintains low teacher-to-child ratios, and provides secure facilities with coded entry systems. Parents consistently praise the experienced staff, engaging learning environment, and excellent communication about child progress. The center includes both indoor and outdoor play spaces designed for age-appropriate activities and development.
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The Goddard School of Burlington
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Burlington provides a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), which balances academic preparation with social-emotional development. The school features state-certified teachers, modern security systems including keypad entry and surveillance, and nutritionally balanced meal programs. Their curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and creative arts, with additional enrichment programs in yoga, music, and Spanish. The facility includes age-specific classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and dedicated spaces for art and movement activities.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare at Woburn
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at Woburn serves the Burlington area with their comprehensive early childhood education program that emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social skills development. Their research-based curriculum includes phonics-based reading readiness, hands-on math activities, and inquiry-based science exploration. The center maintains excellent safety protocols including secured entrances, regular safety drills, and thorough staff background checks. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features developmentally appropriate learning centers, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated spaces for different age groups, with many families from Burlington commuting to this highly-regarded center.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Burlington, MA
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Burlington, MA, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Burlington, MA, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,400 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,600 to $2,100 per month. These rates reflect the high cost of living in the Greater Boston area. For financial assistance, Massachusetts offers the state-subsidized Child Care Voucher Program (also known as Income Eligible Child Care) through the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Eligibility is based on family size and income. Additionally, many Burlington-based employers, particularly in the tech and biotech sectors, may offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or other childcare benefits. It's also worth contacting the Burlington Public Schools' Early Childhood Center for potential preschool program information and sliding-scale options.
How long are typical waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Burlington, and what can I do to improve my chances of securing a spot?
Waitlists for high-quality, licensed daycare centers in Burlington can be quite long, often ranging from 6 to 18 months, especially for infant rooms which have strict teacher-to-child ratios. Popular centers near major employers like the Burlington Mall, or those with strong educational philosophies (Montessori, Reggio Emilia), tend to have the longest lists. To improve your chances, start your search and get on multiple lists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. Be proactive: follow up with centers every 2-3 months to confirm your spot on the list and express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in surrounding neighborhoods, which may have shorter wait times and offer a more home-like setting.
What are the key state licensing requirements and safety regulations I should verify when touring a daycare in Burlington?
All childcare providers in Burlington must be licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Key requirements you should verify include: staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:3 for infants, 1:4 for toddlers), comprehensive background checks (CORI/SORI) for all staff, and appropriate staff qualifications including CPR/First Aid certification. Centers must also have detailed emergency preparedness plans, safe sleep policies for infants, and up-to-date health and safety inspections. You can and should ask to see the program's current EEC license during your tour. Parents are encouraged to look up any provider's compliance history and licensing status directly on the EEC's online search tool to review any past violations or complaints.
Are there any unique or highly-regarded public preschool or pre-K options available through the Town of Burlington for 3- and 4-year-olds?
Yes, the Burlington Public Schools (BPS) operates the **Burlington Early Childhood Center (BECC)**, which is a highly-regarded public integrated preschool program. It serves children ages 3-5 and is located at the Fox Hill Elementary School. The program follows an inclusive model, integrating typically developing peers with children who have special needs. It runs part-day sessions (typically 2.5 hours, mornings or afternoons) during the school year. Placement is not guaranteed for all residents; priority is given to children with identified special needs through the IEP process, with remaining slots filled by lottery for typical peers. There is a tuition cost for non-IEP students. This is a valuable public option to explore alongside private daycare and preschool centers in town.
What resources are available in Burlington to help me find and evaluate different types of childcare, from centers to in-home providers?
The primary local resource is the **Child Care Circuit**, which is the state-designated Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for the region that includes Burlington. They offer a free, personalized referral service to help parents find licensed centers and family childcare homes based on their specific needs (location, hours, budget). You can contact them via their website or phone. Additionally, the **Burlington Recreation Department** often runs preschool enrichment programs and may have information on local providers. For community-based reviews and recommendations, local Facebook groups like "Burlington, MA Moms (and Dads!)" or "Burlington, MA Community" are active forums where parents frequently share firsthand experiences and availability alerts for childcare openings.