The Best Daycare Centers in East Freetown, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in East Freetown. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in East Freetown
The Little Red School House
Independent
The Little Red School House is a highly-regarded local childcare center serving East Freetown families with comprehensive early childhood programs. They offer a play-based learning curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities. The center features qualified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, secure facilities with monitored access, and age-appropriate outdoor play spaces. Their program includes nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through digital platforms, and developmental progress tracking. The center stands out for its strong community connections and personalized approach to each child's development, with many staff members having long-term tenure at the facility.
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Kiddie Academy of Lakeville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Lakeville serves East Freetown families with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and hands-on learning experiences. The center features state-licensed teachers with ongoing professional development, secure keypad entry systems, and modern classrooms equipped with educational technology. Their program includes daily learning reports for parents, age-appropriate playgrounds, and enrichment activities like music and movement. The academy emphasizes health and safety protocols with rigorous cleaning procedures and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Parents consistently praise the center's communication and the visible developmental progress in their children.
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Rochester Memorial School Before & After School Program
Rochester Public Schools
Operated by Rochester Public Schools, this highly-regarded before and after school program serves East Freetown elementary students with a focus on academic support, enrichment activities, and social development. The program features certified teachers and educational professionals who provide homework assistance, STEM activities, arts and crafts, and physical recreation. Located within Rochester Memorial School, the program offers seamless integration with the school day and utilizes school facilities including gymnasiums, libraries, and playgrounds. The curriculum emphasizes character education, leadership skills, and community involvement. Parents appreciate the program's structured environment, qualified staff, and convenient scheduling options that accommodate working families in the East Freetown area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in East Freetown, MA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in East Freetown, MA?
In East Freetown and the surrounding South Coast region of Massachusetts, daycare costs are influenced by state-wide high operational expenses and local demand. For a full-time infant (under 15 months), you can expect to pay between $1,600 and $2,100 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers (15 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,400 to $1,800 per month. Home-based family childcare in East Freetown is often slightly more affordable, ranging from $1,200 to $1,700 monthly. These rates are competitive with nearby towns like Lakeville and Freetown. It's important to ask what is included (meals, diapers, curriculum). Massachusetts also offers financial assistance programs like the Child Care Voucher Program (subsidized through the Department of Early Education and Care) for eligible families to help offset these significant costs.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in East Freetown?
All licensed childcare providers in East Freetown are regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). The most reliable way to verify a provider's status and history is to use the EEC's online "Search for Child Care" portal. You can search by program name, location (East Freetown, MA 02717), or provider type. This public-facing tool displays the provider's license status (Active, Provisional, etc.), capacity, ages served, and any serious regulatory violations or sanctions from the past three years. For a complete inspection report, you can contact the EEC's Southeast Regional Office, which oversees Bristol County. Always visit a potential daycare and ask the director for their most recent EEC review summary, which they are required to have on-site for parent review.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in East Freetown, and what strategies can help secure a spot?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler rooms at licensed centers in and around East Freetown, often ranging from 3 to 12 months, especially for coveted spots with flexible hours. This is due to high demand and limited infant-care slots mandated by strict Massachusetts staff-to-child ratios. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. Get on multiple waitlists at centers in East Freetown, Freetown, Lakeville, and even nearby Rochester. Follow up with a polite phone call or email every 2-3 months to express continued interest. Also, consider licensed family childcare homes, which may have shorter waitlists and offer a more home-like setting within the community. Being flexible with your start date can also open opportunities.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the Freetown-Lakeville School District?
For children attending the Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District (e.g., Freetown Elementary, G. Ray Bodie), organized school-age childcare options are primarily located at the school sites or nearby. The district itself may partner with a program like the "Freetown-Lakeville Before & After School Program," which typically operates at the elementary schools. Additionally, local organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of Greater New Bedford often provide bus transportation from the schools to their facility. In East Freetown, some licensed family childcare providers also offer before and after-school care, including transportation to and from the local bus stop. It's crucial to inquire about registration timelines, as these programs fill quickly, and to confirm details on snow day and school vacation coverage.
What unique local resources or programs support parents seeking childcare in East Freetown and Bristol County?
A key local resource is the **Child Care Network (CCN)**, a program of the People, Inc. agency that serves Bristol County, including East Freetown. CCN acts as a free referral and support service. Their specialists can provide a customized list of licensed and/or accredited providers matching your needs (hours, location, age). They also offer guidance on understanding EEC regulations, navigating financial assistance applications, and assessing program quality. Another resource is the **Southeast Regional Readiness Center**, which provides professional development for educators and can be a source of information on high-quality programs. For community connections, the **Freetown Town Hall** and local Facebook parenting groups (e.g., "Freetown/Lakeville Moms") are valuable for getting personal recommendations and learning about smaller, home-based providers that may not advertise widely.