The Best Daycare Centers in Lakeville, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lakeville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lakeville
The Children's Workshop
The Children's Workshop
The Children's Workshop is a highly-regarded regional childcare provider serving the Lakeville area with a comprehensive educational program. Their research-based curriculum focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education from infancy through school-age. The facility features secure, age-appropriate classrooms with dedicated learning centers, outdoor playgrounds, and modern safety systems including secured entry. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The center emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, and hands-on learning experiences. Parents consistently praise the professional staff, clean facilities, and strong communication. Their before/after school program serves local elementary schools with transportation provided.
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Little People's College
Little People's College
Little People's College has been serving the Lakeville and Middleborough communities with high-quality early childhood education since 2006. Their comprehensive curriculum follows Massachusetts Early Learning Guidelines and incorporates Creative Curriculum elements with a focus on whole-child development. The center features spacious, well-equipped classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and a secure facility with keypad entry systems. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the center maintains excellent staff retention. Programs include music, movement, literacy development, and kindergarten readiness. The center is known for its nurturing environment, experienced staff, and strong parent partnerships. They offer flexible scheduling and nutritious meals/snacks included in tuition.
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Kiddie Academy of Middleborough
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Middleborough is part of a nationally recognized educational childcare chain serving the Lakeville area with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum. The program emphasizes character development, literacy, mathematics, and social skills through project-based learning. The state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, CCTV monitoring, modern classrooms with interactive technology, and age-appropriate outdoor learning environments. All teachers receive ongoing professional development and many hold advanced degrees. The academy focuses on preparing children for kindergarten success while fostering independence and critical thinking skills. Parents consistently highlight the clean, safe environment, experienced leadership, and excellent communication through their mobile app. The center offers flexible scheduling and serves children from 6 weeks through 12 years.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lakeville, MA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lakeville, MA?
In Lakeville, MA, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of program. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800 per month for infant care, and slightly less, around $1,200 to $1,600 per month, for toddler care. Licensed family childcare homes in the area often offer a more affordable range, typically from $900 to $1,300 per month. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Massachusetts is one of the most expensive states for childcare, and Lakeville reflects that trend. We recommend contacting providers directly for the most current rates and inquiring about any potential discounts for siblings or prepayment.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Lakeville?
All childcare programs in Lakeville must be licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history through the EEC's online search tool. Simply visit the EEC website and use their "Find Child Care" search function. This tool will show you the provider's current license status, capacity, ages served, and any non-compliance reports from their last three years of inspections. We strongly encourage parents to check this resource and even ask providers directly for their license number and their most recent EEC review report to ensure they meet all state health, safety, and educational standards.
Are there any local preschool programs integrated with the Lakeville public school system?
Yes, the Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District operates an integrated preschool program called the "FLRSD Integrated Preschool." This program is located at the George R. Austin Intermediate School and serves children ages 3-5. It is a tuition-based program that integrates typically developing peers with children who have identified special needs. The curriculum is designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Enrollment is limited and typically involves a screening process. Spots fill quickly, so interested parents should contact the district's Student Services office well in advance. This provides a structured, school-based option in addition to private daycare centers and in-home providers in the community.
What is the waitlist situation like for daycare centers in Lakeville, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists for quality daycare centers in Lakeville are common and can be lengthy. It is not unusual for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months or more for infant rooms. We recommend that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool openings, starting your search 4-6 months in advance is advisable. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often is the list updated? How are spots offered? Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in neighboring towns like Middleborough or Rochester, which may have more immediate availability.
What resources are available in Lakeville to help me find and compare different childcare options?
The primary resource for families in Lakeville is the **Child Care Circuit**, which is the state-designated Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for the Southeast Massachusetts region. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed programs based on your specific needs (location, hours, budget, etc.). You can contact them via their website or phone. Additionally, the **Lakeville Public Library** often has community bulletin boards with information on local family childcare providers. For informal comparisons and parent reviews, local Facebook groups such as "Lakeville, MA Community Forum" can be valuable for asking for personal recommendations and experiences, though you should always follow up with official licensing checks through the EEC.
Childcare Insights for Lakeville
As the school year winds down, many parents in Lakeville find themselves facing the annual question: what are the best summer daycare options near me? The search for reliable, engaging, and safe childcare during the summer months is a priority for families across our community. Fortunately, Lakeville and the surrounding areas in Southeastern Massachusetts offer a variety of programs designed to keep children active, social, and learning while school is out. Understanding your local options can transform summer from a logistical puzzle into a season of growth and fun for your child.
When beginning your search for summer daycare in Lakeville, it’s helpful to consider the different types of programs available. Many local options blend traditional daycare with the spirit of summer camp, offering structured activities, field trips, and outdoor play. Given Lakeville’s beautiful natural setting, with access to lakes, parks, and conservation land, look for programs that emphasize outdoor exploration. This could include nature walks, water play days, or simple sports on the green spaces our town provides. Connecting with other parents at the Lakeville Public Library or through community groups on social media can be an excellent way to get personal recommendations and hear about their experiences with specific providers.
Timing is a crucial factor specific to our area. Popular summer programs in Lakeville and nearby towns like Middleborough, Freetown, and Rochester often fill up quickly, sometimes as early as spring. Starting your research and inquiries now is one of the most practical steps you can take. When evaluating a program, don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions about their daily schedule, staff-to-child ratios, and their policies for trips to local spots like the Lakeville Town Beach or the Ted Williams Camp. Ensuring the program is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) provides a fundamental layer of reassurance regarding safety and standards.
Another local consideration is transportation. Some summer daycare programs in the area may offer busing or coordinated transportation for field trips, which can be a significant benefit for working parents. It’s also worth exploring programs offered by the Lakeville Parks & Recreation Department, as they often host summer camps and activities that can complement or serve as a weekly childcare solution. Balancing a mix of such programs can provide variety and cover the entire summer break. Ultimately, the goal is to find a summer environment where your child feels comfortable and excited to go each day. By focusing on providers who understand the rhythm of our community and can offer a blend of safety, fun, and enrichment, you can secure a summer plan that brings peace of mind and creates happy memories for your family right here in Lakeville.
Nearby Cities
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