The Best Daycare Centers in Charlestown, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Charlestown. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Charlestown
Bright Horizons at Charlestown Navy Yard
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
This NAEYC-accredited center offers a comprehensive early education curriculum with a focus on emergent, project-based learning. Located in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard, the facility features age-appropriate classrooms, dedicated outdoor play spaces, and experienced early childhood educators with bachelor's and master's degrees. The center emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities while maintaining excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Security features include keypad entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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Ellis Early Learning - Charlestown Center
Ellis Memorial & Eldredge House
As part of Boston's oldest settlement house, Ellis Early Learning provides high-quality, inclusive early childhood education with a strong focus on diversity and community engagement. The center offers a play-based curriculum that incorporates Creative Curriculum frameworks and emphasizes social justice and cultural responsiveness. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes modern classrooms, outdoor play areas, and serves nutritious meals through their food program. They maintain strong partnerships with Boston families across economic backgrounds.
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Kindercare Learning Center at Bunker Hill Community College
KinderCare Education
This accredited KinderCare center located adjacent to Bunker Hill Community College offers a research-based curriculum focusing on early literacy, math, science, and social skills development. The center features purpose-built learning environments with dedicated spaces for different age groups, including a STEM lab and literacy-rich classrooms. All lead teachers hold early childhood credentials, and the center maintains NAEYC standards for quality. Security measures include single-entry access, comprehensive monitoring systems, and regular safety drills. The program emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Charlestown, MA
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Charlestown, MA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Charlestown, the average cost for full-time infant daycare is among the highest in the state, typically ranging from $2,200 to $3,000+ per month. For toddlers, costs are slightly lower but often still exceed $2,000 monthly. These high costs reflect Boston-area real estate and operational expenses. For financial assistance, Massachusetts offers the state-subsidized Child Care Voucher Program (commonly called "vouchers" or "financial assistance") through the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Eligibility is based on family income, size, and need (e.g., work, school). Additionally, you can contact the local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency, **Boston ABCD**, which serves Charlestown residents and can provide guidance on subsidies and sliding-scale options at certain centers. It's crucial to apply early, as waitlists for both subsidized spots and the funding itself can be long.
How long are typical waitlists for licensed daycare centers and preschools in Charlestown, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists in Charlestown are notoriously long, especially for highly-regarded centers and infant/toddler programs. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 12 to 18 months, and sometimes even longer for infant spots. For popular preschool programs (ages 3-5), you should expect a 6-12 month wait. Given this reality, parents are strongly advised to start researching and adding their child's name to waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before their desired start date. Many centers have online inquiry forms. Be proactive: follow up periodically, consider applying to multiple programs, and explore both center-based and licensed family childcare homes, which may have shorter wait times.
What are the licensing and safety regulations for childcare providers in Massachusetts, and how can I verify a provider's compliance in Charlestown?
All childcare providers in Massachusetts must be licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Key regulations include strict staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:3 for infants, 1:4 for toddlers), background checks (CORI/SORI) for all staff, health and safety training, and regular facility inspections. You can verify a provider's license status, view their inspection reports (including any non-compliance issues), and see their quality rating (if they participate in the voluntary Quality Rating and Improvement System, QRIS) through the **EEC's online search tool** at **www.mass.gov/edu**. Simply search by the program's name or location. This is a critical step for any parent to ensure the provider is legally operating and meeting state standards.
Besides traditional daycare centers, what other licensed childcare options are available to families in Charlestown?
Charlestown offers a variety of licensed options to fit different family needs. These include: 1. **Licensed Family Child Care (FCC) Homes:** Small, home-based settings (up to 6-10 children) often offering more flexible hours and a mixed-age, family-like environment. Many are located in residential neighborhoods. 2. **Public Preschool Programs:** Charlestown is part of the Boston Public Schools (BPS) system. BPS offers free, high-quality K1 (for 4-year-olds) and K2 programs. Enrollment is through the BPS lottery system, and seats are not guaranteed. 3. **Nanny Shares:** A popular option in dense urban areas like Charlestown, where two or more families hire one nanny. While not licensed by the EEC, families should ensure the nanny passes background checks and carries appropriate insurance. 4. **Part-Day Preschools/Co-ops:** Some local churches or community organizations may offer part-day programs, which require supplemental care arrangements.
Are there any community resources or organizations in Charlestown that help parents navigate the childcare search process?
Yes, several key local resources can provide invaluable support: * **Boston ABCD (Action for Boston Community Development):** As the designated Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Boston, their specialists offer free, personalized referrals to licensed programs in Charlestown and beyond, help with understanding financial assistance, and provide guidance on quality indicators. You can contact them via their website or phone. * **Charlestown Mothers Association (CMA):** A vibrant local parent group (not just for mothers) that maintains active online forums (like Facebook groups) where members frequently share real-time openings, waitlist updates, and detailed reviews of local providers. This peer network is an excellent source of grassroots information. * **Charlestown Branch of the Boston Public Library:** Often hosts storytimes and early childhood events, which can be a good way to connect with other parents and gather informal recommendations. * **The City of Boston's Office of Early Childhood:** Provides city-wide initiatives and information on early education programs and policies that impact Charlestown residents.