The Best Daycare Centers in Cohasset, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Cohasset. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Cohasset
KinderCare at Hingham
KinderCare Education
This highly-rated KinderCare location serves the Cohasset area with a comprehensive educational approach featuring their Balanced Learning® curriculum. The center offers age-appropriate programs from infants through school-age, with dedicated learning centers for literacy, math, science, and creative arts. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, excellent communication, and strong academic preparation that helps children develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills.
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Cohasset Harbor Early Childhood Center
Independent
Located in the heart of Cohasset, this independent early childhood center offers a nurturing environment with a play-based learning approach. The curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy readiness, and hands-on exploration. Certified early childhood educators maintain low teacher-to-child ratios in bright, well-equipped classrooms. The center features secure facilities, outdoor nature exploration areas, and a focus on community involvement. Parents highlight the personalized attention, strong parent-teacher communication, and the center's commitment to creating a warm, family-like atmosphere that supports each child's individual development.
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The Goddard School of Hingham
Goddard Systems, Inc.
This Goddard School location serves Cohasset families with their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that balances academic preparation with social development. The professionally developed curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and creative arts, delivered by degreed teachers in purpose-built classrooms. The school features secure facilities, age-appropriate playgrounds, and enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure. Parents consistently praise the school's structured yet nurturing environment, excellent teacher qualifications, and comprehensive approach to preparing children for kindergarten and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Cohasset, MA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Cohasset, MA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Cohasset, full-time daycare for an infant or toddler typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,400 per month, while preschool for 3-5 year-olds generally costs between $1,200 and $1,800 per month. These rates are influenced by factors like program type (home-based vs. center-based), staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities. For financial assistance, Massachusetts offers the Income Eligible Child Care (IEEC) voucher program through the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Additionally, local families can inquire about potential sliding scale fees or scholarships directly with individual providers like the Cohasset Children's Center or South Shore Stars, which sometimes have private funding for community support. The Cohasset Family Resource Center is also a valuable local contact for navigating assistance options.
How long are waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Cohasset, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for the most sought-after licensed centers and preschools in Cohasset, such as the Cohasset Children's Center or programs at the South Shore Community Center, can be substantial, often 6 to 12 months or longer, especially for infant and toddler rooms. It is highly advisable to begin your search and get on multiple lists as early as possible, even during pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their list: Is there a fee to join? How often should you check in? Do they prioritize Cohasset residents or siblings of current students? Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in neighboring towns like Scituate or Hingham, which may have shorter wait times while still offering high-quality, regulated care.
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Cohasset, and how can I verify a provider's compliance?
All childcare providers in Massachusetts, including those in Cohasset, must be licensed by the state's Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Key requirements include background record checks (CORI/SORI) for all staff, specific staff-to-child ratios based on age (e.g., 1:3 for infants, 1:10 for preschoolers), health and safety training (including CPR/First Aid), and regular facility inspections. To verify a provider's license status and view their full compliance history, including any past violations, you can use the publicly accessible EEC Licensed Child Care Search tool online. The Cohasset Board of Health also conducts local inspections, but the EEC license is the primary credential to confirm.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available in the Cohasset area?
Yes, Cohasset's coastal and wooded environment lends itself to nature-focused programming. While fully outdoor "forest school" models are less common, several local providers emphasize outdoor play and exploration. The Cohasset Children's Center and many licensed family childcare providers utilize outdoor spaces extensively. Additionally, you may find seasonal nature-based programs or camps offered through the Cohasset Recreation Department or the nearby South Shore Natural Science Center in Norwell. For a more consistent nature-immersion experience, some parents look to programs in adjacent towns or inquire if local providers incorporate regular outings to nearby spots like Wheelwright Park or Whitney Woods.
What backup or emergency childcare options exist for Cohasset families when their regular provider is unavailable?
Finding reliable backup care in Cohasset can be challenging due to strict EEC enrollment caps, but several options exist. First, check if your primary daycare center has a "drop-in" policy for enrolled families, though this is rare. More commonly, parents utilize networks of local babysitters; the Cohasset Family Resource Center and community Facebook groups can be resources for finding vetted sitters. For more structured emergency care, regional services like Care.com's "Back-Up Care" benefit (if offered through your employer) or temporary nanny agencies serving the South Shore can be options. Additionally, some local gyms, like the South Shore Sports Center, offer parent's day out or hourly childcare for members, which can serve as a short-term solution.