The Best Daycare Centers in Haverhill, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Haverhill. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Haverhill
KinderCare at Haverhill
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at Haverhill provides comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social skills development. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials and maintains low student-teacher ratios. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. The program focuses on developmental milestones through hands-on learning experiences and offers nutritious meals and snacks. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular conferences to track child progress.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Plaistow
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located just minutes from Haverhill, The Goddard School of Plaistow offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. The school features state-certified teachers, secure facilities with keypad entry, and modern classrooms equipped with SMART Board technology. Curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, and creative arts with emphasis on play-based learning. The center maintains excellent health and safety protocols and offers enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure.
Daycare Services:
Creative Kids Preschool & Childcare
Independent
Creative Kids Preschool & Childcare is a locally-owned center serving Haverhill families with a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum. The program emphasizes social-emotional development, early literacy, and kindergarten readiness skills. Features include experienced early childhood educators, small class sizes, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and expansive outdoor play spaces. The center provides homemade nutritious meals and maintains open communication with parents through daily updates and portfolio assessments. Special programs include music enrichment, gardening activities, and community involvement projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Haverhill, MA
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Haverhill, MA?
In Haverhill, the average cost for full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from $1,600 to $2,200 per month. For toddlers, the cost is slightly lower, averaging between $1,400 and $1,900 per month. Home-based family childcare is often more affordable, ranging from $1,100 to $1,600 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors such as the program's curriculum, staff-to-child ratios, and facility amenities. It's important for Haverhill parents to explore financial assistance options like the state's Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA) program, which is administered through the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), or employer-sponsored Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Haverhill is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All licensed childcare providers in Haverhill are regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). The most reliable way to verify a program's license and review its history is to use the EEC's online **Licensed Child Care Search** tool. You can search by the program's name, location, or zip code (e.g., 01830, 01832). This public portal provides the license status, capacity, ages served, and any non-compliance reports from the last three years, including details of any violations and corrective actions taken. You can also contact the EEC's Northeast Regional Office, which oversees Haverhill, for additional information.
Are there specific daycare or preschool programs in Haverhill that offer extended hours for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Yes, several providers in Haverhill cater to parents with early morning, evening, or rotating shifts. Some larger childcare centers and certain licensed family childcare homes offer extended hours, sometimes opening as early as 6:00 AM and closing as late as 7:00 PM. A few may also offer limited overnight or weekend care, though this is less common. It's recommended to specifically search for "extended hours" or "non-traditional hours" using the EEC search tool and to call providers directly to confirm their current schedules. The Haverhill Public Schools' Community Programs may also have information on before- and after-school care that aligns with various schedules.
What is the typical waitlist situation for infant daycare spots in Haverhill, and how far in advance should I apply?
Due to high demand and strict infant-to-teacher ratios mandated by the state, waitlists for infant care (children under 15 months) in Haverhill can be significant. It is very common for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. To secure a spot, Haverhill parents are strongly advised to begin researching and applying to multiple programs as early as possible—ideally during the first trimester of pregnancy or even before. When touring facilities, always ask for their specific waitlist policy, including any non-refundable deposit to hold a spot and how often you should check in to maintain your position on the list.
Does the City of Haverhill offer any public preschool (Pre-K) programs, and how do they differ from private daycare?
Yes, the Haverhill Public School district offers free, high-quality preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds through its **Integrated Preschool** model. These classrooms are typically located within elementary schools and follow a school-year calendar (September to June), unlike most full-year private daycares. Admission is not guaranteed and often involves a lottery system, with priority given to Haverhill residents and children with identified special needs. The curriculum is aligned with state standards and emphasizes school readiness. For full-day, full-year care, parents would need to supplement with before/after-care and summer programs, which are often available through the district's community programs or private providers.
Childcare Insights for Haverhill
Finding reliable, flexible childcare can feel like a constant puzzle for busy parents in Haverhill. Whether you have an unexpected work meeting, a medical appointment, or simply need a few hours to tackle errands or enjoy some personal time, the search for "drop in daycare near me" becomes urgent. The good news is that Haverhill and the surrounding Merrimack Valley offer several wonderful options for this flexible care, providing a safe and engaging solution when your regular routine shifts.
Understanding what to look for in a local drop-in daycare is key. First, prioritize licensed facilities. In Massachusetts, this ensures the program meets strict health, safety, and staff-to-child ratio standards set by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). A reputable center in Haverhill will be happy to confirm their licensure and may even have their EEC license number posted. When you call or visit, ask about their reservation policy. Some centers in our area operate on a first-come, first-served basis for drop-in slots, while others, especially since the pandemic, strongly recommend or require calling ahead to ensure space is available. This is a crucial step to avoid a frustrating trip across town only to find they are at capacity.
Another important consideration is the flexibility of hours. Your needs might arise during standard business hours, but some parents in Haverhill require evening or weekend coverage. While less common, a few local family childcare providers or specialized centers may offer extended hours, so it's worth asking directly. Also, inquire about what your child should bring. Most drop-in centers in the area will require a change of clothes, any necessary comfort items, and pre-packaged snacks or meals, depending on their food policy. Be prepared to provide detailed information about your child's needs, routines, and any allergies during the registration process, which is typically required even for occasional use.
Building a shortlist of potential spots can save future stress. Take a little time to research a few facilities near key areas like downtown Haverhill, the Bradford section, or along Route 125. Reading online reviews from other local parents can offer genuine insights into the daily environment and staff temperament. Don't hesitate to schedule a brief tour or a meet-and-greet before you need the service. This allows you and your child to see the space, meet the caregivers, and feel more comfortable when the drop-off day arrives. Seeing the toys, play areas, and safety measures firsthand can provide immense peace of mind.
Ultimately, finding a trusted drop-in daycare in Haverhill, MA, is about creating a safety net for your family. It’s the reassurance that when life’s unpredictable moments happen—a car repair in Bradford, a last-minute shift at work, or a needed dental appointment—you have a supportive, local resource. By doing a little preparation now, you can secure a welcoming place where your child can play and learn, giving you the freedom to handle your commitments knowing they are in good hands right here in our community.