The Best Daycare Centers in Chartley, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Chartley. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Chartley
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Attleboro serves the Chartley area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and arts, delivered by qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. What sets this center apart is their emphasis on STEAM learning and their commitment to individualized development tracking through daily communication with parents via their proprietary mobile app.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location serves Chartley families with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes early literacy, math, and social-emotional development. The center features dedicated learning centers for different age groups, secure keypad entry, and nutritious meal programs. Their teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The center stands out for its inclusive environment and strong focus on kindergarten readiness, with comprehensive assessment tracking and regular parent-teacher conferences to discuss child progress and developmental milestones.
Daycare Services:
Little People's Child Care Center
Independent
Little People's Child Care Center is a family-owned facility serving the Chartley area with a play-based learning approach that incorporates elements of Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on exploration, creative expression, and social development. The center features secure facilities, age-appropriate playgrounds, and low teacher-to-child ratios. What makes this center exceptional is their strong community focus, with regular family events and a nurturing environment where teachers often stay for many years, providing consistency and deep relationships with children and families.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Chartley, MA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Chartley, MA, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Chartley, Massachusetts, all childcare programs caring for children from infancy through school-age must be licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). This includes family childcare homes and center-based programs. Licensing ensures providers meet strict standards for health, safety, staff qualifications (including background checks and training), child-to-staff ratios, and curriculum. To verify a provider's license, you can use the EEC's online search tool called the "Licensed Child Care Search." Simply enter "Chartley" or the provider's name to view their current license status, any history of non-compliance, and their licensed capacity. It's a critical first step for any parent in the Norton/Attleboro area, which includes Chartley.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Chartley, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Chartley area, full-time infant daycare is a significant investment, with average costs typically ranging from $1,600 to $2,200 per month for a licensed center. Family childcare homes may be slightly less, averaging $1,400 to $1,800 per month. These costs are influenced by the high standards and operational expenses in Massachusetts. For financial assistance, Massachusetts offers the Income Eligible Child Care Voucher program through the EEC. Eligibility is based on family size and income. Additionally, many local providers in Bristol County participate in this system. Parents should also inquire directly with centers about any private scholarships or sliding scale fees. The United Way of Greater Attleboro-Taunton is another local resource that can help connect families with support services.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in and around Chartley, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants and toddlers, waitlists in the Chartley and greater Norton/Attleboro region can be lengthy. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer for infant care. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a return to work begin their search and get on waitlists during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. For transitions (like moving from infant to toddler rooms), inquire about internal waitlists at your current center 9-12 months in advance. Being proactive and getting on multiple lists at licensed centers in Norton, Mansfield, and Attleboro will increase your options.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available for preschoolers in the Chartley area?
While Chartley itself is a small village, its location in Southeastern Massachusetts offers access to some nature-focused programs in nearby towns. Specifically, you may find preschools in the surrounding Norton, Mansfield, and Foxborough areas that emphasize outdoor play and learning, taking advantage of local conservation lands. Some programs may have dedicated outdoor classrooms or frequent nature walks. While a fully forest-school model might require a commute to a larger center, many local providers prioritize outdoor time due to Massachusetts' EEC guidelines promoting physical activity. We recommend searching the EEC database with keywords like "nature-based" or "outdoor learning" and expanding your search radius to 10-15 miles from Chartley to explore these options.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare center in Chartley to ensure it's a good fit for my child?
When touring a center in Chartley or the immediate area, go beyond the basics. First, observe the interactions: Are teachers engaged at the children's level, speaking kindly and responding to needs? Check for safety and cleanliness, but also look for evidence of learning—children's artwork displayed, well-organized learning centers, and age-appropriate books and toys. Ask about their curriculum and how they communicate with parents (many use apps like Brightwheel or Tadpoles). Inquire about their policies for outdoor play, especially given New England weather, and their plan for utilizing local spaces. Finally, trust your instincts about the overall atmosphere—is it a warm, joyful, and secure environment? Don't hesitate to ask for references from other Chartley-area parents.