The Best Daycare Centers in Chelsea, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Chelsea. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Chelsea
Little Sprouts Early Education & Child Care
Little Sprouts LLC
Little Sprouts Chelsea offers a comprehensive early education program with research-based curriculum focusing on social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM. The facility features bright, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers, secure entry systems, and outdoor play spaces. Teachers hold early childhood education degrees and receive ongoing professional development. The center emphasizes project-based learning and individualized attention, with daily communication to parents through a dedicated app. Nutritionally balanced meals and snacks are provided.
Daycare Services:
The Community Group - Chelsea Childcare Center
The Community Group
This NAEYC-accredited center provides high-quality bilingual education in English and Spanish. The curriculum emphasizes language development, cultural awareness, and school readiness through hands-on learning experiences. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, preschool classrooms, and a full-day kindergarten program. Staff maintain low teacher-child ratios and hold degrees in early childhood education. The center offers family support services and maintains strong community partnerships. Safety features include secured access, comprehensive background checks, and regular emergency drills.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at MGH Chelsea
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Located adjacent to Massachusetts General Hospital Chelsea, this center offers the World at Their Fingertips curriculum, which integrates emergent curriculum with structured learning in literacy, mathematics, and science. The facility features dedicated art studios, movement spaces, and nature-inspired playgrounds. All lead teachers hold bachelor's degrees in early childhood education or related fields. The center maintains enhanced health and safety protocols including air purification systems and comprehensive cleaning procedures. Parent partnerships are emphasized through regular conferences and digital daily reports.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Chelsea, MA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Chelsea, MA, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Chelsea, all childcare programs must be licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). This includes family childcare homes (in a provider's residence) and center-based programs. The EEC sets strict standards for staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR/first aid), child-to-staff ratios, health and safety protocols, 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 Chelsea, MA, to see a list of all licensed providers, their current license status, any history of violations, and their licensed capacity. It's the most reliable first step in your search.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Chelsea, and are there financial assistance programs available?
The cost of infant care in Chelsea is significant, often reflecting the high costs of the greater Boston area. On average, parents can expect to pay between $1,800 to $2,400 per month for full-time infant care at a licensed center. Family childcare homes may be slightly less, ranging from $1,500 to $2,000 monthly. Fortunately, financial help is available. The Massachusetts child care subsidy program, administered through the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), provides assistance to income-eligible families. You can apply through the state's online portal or contact the local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency, which for Chelsea is often the Child Care Choices of Boston. Additionally, some employers in the area offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Chelsea, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants and toddlers, waitlists in Chelsea can be lengthy. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. For this reason, it is highly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move start their search as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before you need care. When contacting centers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot (if any), and how often they update families on their position. Being flexible with your start date can sometimes help secure a spot sooner.
Are there any bilingual (Spanish/English) daycare programs in Chelsea to support my child's language development?
Yes, Chelsea's diverse community, with a large Spanish-speaking population, is supported by several bilingual childcare options. Many licensed family childcare providers and some centers offer Spanish-English bilingual environments. This is often reflected in their staffing, daily activities, and communication with families. When researching providers on the EEC website or visiting centers, explicitly ask about their language philosophy and the languages spoken by staff. Programs may range from full Spanish immersion to those that incorporate Spanish songs, stories, and basic vocabulary into a primarily English curriculum. This can be a wonderful asset for both native Spanish speakers and families wanting their children to learn a second language.
What resources are available in Chelsea to help me find and compare different childcare options?
Chelsea parents have several valuable local resources. The primary resource is the **Child Care Choices of Boston**, which is the region's Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed programs in Chelsea based on your needs (hours, location, budget). You can contact them by phone or through their website. Additionally, the **City of Chelsea's website** may list community resources and family support programs. For hands-on research, don't underestimate local parent networks on social media (like Chelsea-specific Facebook groups) where parents often share firsthand experiences and recommendations. Always complement these resources with an in-person visit to any potential daycare.