The Best Daycare Centers in Fall River, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fall River. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fall River
KinderCare Learning Center - Fall River
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare Fall River provides a nationally-recognized curriculum focused on early literacy, math, and social-emotional development through their Early Foundations program. All lead teachers hold early childhood education credentials, and the center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers for different developmental stages. What sets this center apart is their comprehensive approach including nutritious meal programs, regular developmental assessments, and strong parent communication through daily reports and family engagement events.
Daycare Services:
The Children's Workshop - Fall River
The Children's Workshop LLC
The Children's Workshop in Fall River emphasizes play-based learning through their proprietary CW Creative Curriculum, integrating STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts. All staff are CPR/first-aid certified and participate in ongoing professional development. The center features modern security systems including keypad entry, indoor gymnasiums, and nature-based outdoor play areas. Distinguished by their focus on individualized learning plans, cultural diversity inclusion, and strong community partnerships, they offer flexible scheduling and regular parent-teacher conferences to track child progress.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Swansea
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located just minutes from Fall River, The Goddard School of Swansea implements the FLEX Learning Program that balances academic readiness with play-based exploration, focusing on literacy, mathematics, and social skills. All faculty members hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the school maintains exceptional staff retention rates. The state-of-the-art facility includes biometric security systems, climate-controlled playgrounds, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Notable for their emphasis on character development, daily yoga/mindfulness activities, and comprehensive enrichment programs including foreign language exposure and music education, making it a top choice for families seeking holistic early childhood development.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fall River, MA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Fall River, MA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Fall River, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the child's age and the type of program. For an infant, you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $900 to $1,300 per month. Family childcare homes are often more affordable, ranging from $700 to $1,100 monthly. Massachusetts is an expensive state for childcare, but Fall River is generally more affordable than the Boston metro area. Crucially, there are local resources for financial assistance. The primary program is through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), which provides childcare vouchers for income-eligible families. You can apply through the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for the Southeast region, which serves Fall River. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or scholarships.
How long are waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Fall River, and what can I do to secure a spot sooner?
Waitlists for high-quality, licensed daycare centers in Fall River can be lengthy, especially for infant and toddler rooms. It's not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. To improve your chances, start your search and get on lists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy. Be proactive: contact multiple centers (both centers and licensed family childcare homes), get on their lists, and follow up with a polite phone call or email every 2-3 months to express continued interest. Consider expanding your search to neighboring towns like Somerset, Swansea, or Westport, which may have different availability. Also, be flexible with your start date if possible. Utilizing the state's online search tool at **mass.gov/childcare** can help you identify all licensed options in the area to maximize your applications.
What are the key differences between a licensed daycare center and a licensed family childcare home in Fall River, and how do I verify their licensing?
In Fall River, licensed daycare centers are typically larger facilities in commercial or institutional buildings, caring for groups of children divided by age. They often have multiple staff, structured curricula, and may be part of a chain or a nonprofit. Licensed family childcare (FCC) homes operate out of a provider's residence, caring for a smaller, mixed-age group (up to 10 children, including the provider's own). FCC homes often offer a more home-like environment and flexible hours. Both are licensed and monitored by the Massachusetts EEC, ensuring they meet health, safety, and staff qualification standards. To verify a program's license and view its compliance history, you must use the **EEC Licensed Child Care Search** tool online. This public record will show the license status, capacity, any serious violations (non-compliance), and the results of their most recent inspections. Always verify this information directly; don't rely solely on a provider's claim of being licensed.
Are there any quality indicators or accreditations specific to Massachusetts that I should look for when choosing a daycare in Fall River?
Yes, beyond basic EEC licensing, there are important quality indicators. The most significant is participation in the state's **Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)**. Programs are rated on a scale of 1 to 4 (Meeting Standards, Approaching High-Quality, High-Quality, and Very High-Quality). A higher QRIS level indicates a program that exceeds minimum licensing requirements in areas like curriculum, staff qualifications, and family engagement. You can find a program's QRIS level on its EEC profile. Additionally, look for national accreditations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), though these are less common in Fall River than in larger cities. Locally, ask about staff turnover rates, the director's tenure, and whether they participate in the **Head Start** or **Early Head Start** programs (which have rigorous standards and are often free for eligible families). The United Way of Greater Fall River may also have partnerships with high-quality providers.
What resources are available in Fall River to help me find and evaluate childcare options, especially if I need care during non-traditional hours?
Fall River parents have several key local resources. Your first stop should be the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R)** agency for the Southeast region, which is managed by the Community Action for Better Housing (CABH). They offer free, personalized referrals and guidance on navigating financial assistance. You can also use the state's **Find Child Care** online search and filter by Fall River. For evaluating options, schedule tours and ask for references from current parents. For non-traditional hours (evenings, weekends, or overnight), your options become more limited. Start by searching the EEC database and specifically filter for programs that list "Non-Traditional Hours" as a service. This will primarily identify licensed family childcare homes, as they are more likely to offer flexible schedules. Some larger centers may offer extended hours but rarely overnight care. Networking through local Facebook parent groups (e.g., "Fall River Moms") can also yield recommendations for providers who accommodate shift workers common in the area's healthcare and manufacturing sectors.