The Best Daycare Centers in Everett, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Everett. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Everett
The Goddard School of Everett
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Everett offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and creative arts, with daily communication to parents through the proprietary mobile app. The center emphasizes safety protocols, nutritionally balanced meals, and comprehensive health and cleanliness standards.
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Bright Horizons at Everett
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Everett provides research-based early education with the World at Their Fingertips curriculum that supports cognitive, social, and physical development. The center features highly qualified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development and low child-to-teacher ratios. Facilities include secure entry systems, developmentally appropriate learning environments, and outdoor playgrounds. The program emphasizes emergent curriculum based on children's interests, literacy development, and STEM activities. Bright Horizons maintains rigorous health and safety protocols, including comprehensive cleaning procedures and emergency preparedness plans, with regular parent communication and developmental progress reports.
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Kiddie Academy of Malden
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Located just minutes from Everett in neighboring Malden, Kiddie Academy serves families throughout the greater Everett area with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, academic readiness, and social skills. The center features certified early childhood educators, secure facility access, and age-appropriate learning centers. Their program includes technology-enhanced learning, hands-on activities, and community awareness projects. The academy maintains high safety standards with comprehensive security systems, health screening protocols, and nutritionally balanced meals. Parents receive regular updates through electronic daily reports and parent-teacher conferences to track developmental milestones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Everett, MA
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Everett, MA, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Everett, MA, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,400 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,500 to $2,000 per month. These rates are influenced by factors such as the type of center, staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities. For financial assistance, Massachusetts offers the state-subsidized Child Care Voucher Program (also known as subsidized childcare) through the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Eligibility is based on family income, size, and need (like employment or education). Additionally, Everett families can contact the local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency, The Community Group, which serves the Greater Boston area, for guidance on subsidies and sliding-scale fee options at certain centers.
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Everett is properly licensed and what should I look for in their state inspection reports?
All childcare programs in Everett must be licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). You can verify a program's license status and view its full compliance history by using the EEC's online "Licensed Child Care Search" tool. When reviewing a program's record, pay close attention to the "Findings" from their most recent unannounced inspections. Look for any serious violations related to health and safety (e.g., unsafe sleep practices for infants, medication administration errors, or building safety issues), as well as the program's corrective action plans. A clean record or minor, promptly corrected violations are common, but patterns of serious non-compliance are a red flag. You can also call the EEC's regional office for the Northeast region for further clarification.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Everett, and how far in advance should I start my search?
Yes, waitlists are very common for daycare centers in Everett, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. Due to high demand in the Greater Boston area, it is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families new to Everett begin their search 9 to 12 months before their needed start date. For toddler and preschool slots, a 6-month lead time is advisable. When contacting centers, always ask specifically about their waitlist process: Is there a fee to join? How often should I check in? Is the list prioritized for siblings or city residents? Some popular centers in Everett may have waitlists exceeding a year, so exploring a mix of centers, family childcare homes, and programs in adjacent cities like Malden or Chelsea can broaden your options.
What are the main differences between a licensed family childcare home and a childcare center in Everett, and how do I choose?
The primary differences lie in setting, scale, and regulations. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes** operate out of a provider's residence in Everett. They are licensed for a smaller number of children (usually 6-10, including the provider's own), often offering a mixed-age, home-like environment with potentially more flexible hours. **Childcare Centers** are facilities dedicated solely to childcare, serving larger groups of children separated by age in classrooms, with multiple staff. Both are licensed by the MA EEC, but centers often have more structured curricula. To choose, consider your child's temperament: a home setting may offer more consistency with one primary caregiver, while a center provides more peer interaction and structured early learning. In Everett, family childcare can sometimes be more affordable and offer more convenient neighborhood locations. Always visit both types, check their EEC licenses, and ask about their emergency plans and daily schedules.
Beyond basic daycare, what types of early childhood education programs or part-time options are available for preschoolers in Everett?
Everett offers several options for preschool-aged children (typically 2.9 to 5 years old). The **Everett Public Schools** system operates free, part-day (2.5 hours) preschool programs at several elementary schools for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, with priority given to Everett residents. These are often in high demand. Many private daycare centers also offer standalone preschool or "pre-K" classrooms with full-day or part-day schedules. Additionally, you can find specialized programs like Montessori or faith-based preschools in the area. For part-time care, many family childcare homes and some centers offer flexible schedules such as 2, 3, or 4 days a week, which can be more cost-effective for families not needing full-time care. The Everett Family Network and the city's website are good starting points for finding these varied programs.
Childcare Insights for Everett
Finding the right daycare center for your child is one of the most significant decisions a parent in Everett, Massachusetts, will make. It’s about more than just convenience; it’s about finding a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where your little one can thrive while you’re at work. If you’ve been typing “daycare center near me” into your search bar, you’re likely looking for options that feel close to home, both in distance and in community spirit. Everett, with its vibrant neighborhoods and strong sense of local pride, offers a variety of childcare choices, each with its own unique character.
When beginning your search in Everett, consider the practical logistics that are specific to our area. Traffic patterns around the Sweeter Road corridor or the Parkway can influence your commute, so a center’s proximity to major routes or your workplace might be a priority. Many Everett families also appreciate centers that are within walking distance of local parks, like Glendale Park or the new Everett Riverfront area, which can be wonderful for outdoor play and enrichment. Don’t hesitate to visit a few places to get a genuine feel for the daily rhythm. Observe how the staff interacts with the children, ask about their curriculum for different age groups, and inquire about their policies on nutrition, especially if they incorporate fresh food from local sources.
It’s also wise to look into the licensing and accreditation of any center you consider. The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) licenses all childcare providers, and you can check a center’s compliance history online. This state oversight is a crucial layer of protection and quality assurance. Furthermore, many excellent centers in Everett participate in the state’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), which is a helpful indicator of a program’s commitment to high standards in learning environments and teacher qualifications.
Building a connection with other local parents can be an invaluable resource. Consider joining community groups on social media or chatting with neighbors at the Everett Public Library’s story time. Personal recommendations can lead you to hidden gems and provide honest insights into a center’s culture and reliability. Remember, the right fit is deeply personal. A center that feels perfect for one family might not align with another’s values or schedule. Trust your instincts during tours; you’ll know when a place feels warm, organized, and right for your child.
Ultimately, your search for a “daycare center near me” in Everett, MA, is a journey toward peace of mind. The goal is to find a place where your child is happy, engaged, and cared for by compassionate professionals. By focusing on local logistics, state standards, and your own parental intuition, you can find a wonderful partner in your child’s early development right here in our community.