The Best Daycare Centers in Manchester, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Manchester. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Manchester
The Goddard School of Beverly
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Beverly offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features state-of-the-art security systems, including keypad entry and comprehensive camera monitoring. The curriculum focuses on STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional growth, with daily updates provided to parents through their proprietary mobile app. The school serves families throughout the North Shore region, including Manchester residents.
Daycare Services:
Community Children's Center
Independent Nonprofit
Community Children's Center is a licensed, nonprofit early education center located directly in Manchester. They offer a play-based curriculum that emphasizes social, emotional, and cognitive development through hands-on learning experiences. The center maintains small class sizes with experienced educators who receive ongoing professional development. Their facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play spaces, and follows strict health and safety protocols. The program focuses on building community connections and offers flexible scheduling options to meet local families' needs. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular communication and family events.
Daycare Services:
The Children's Center of the North Shore
Independent
The Children's Center of the North Shore provides comprehensive early childhood education with a nature-inspired curriculum that incorporates outdoor learning and environmental awareness. Their highly qualified teaching staff includes educators with advanced degrees in early childhood development. The center features modern, secure facilities with biometric entry systems and comprehensive safety protocols. Their educational approach combines structured academic preparation with creative expression and physical development activities. The program serves families across Cape Ann communities, including Manchester, and emphasizes character development, empathy building, and community engagement through partnerships with local organizations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Manchester, MA
What are the typical costs for full-time infant daycare in Manchester, MA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Manchester-by-the-Sea, full-time infant daycare is among the most expensive in Massachusetts due to the town's high cost of living and limited number of providers. You can expect to pay between $2,200 and $2,800 per month for a licensed infant program. Costs for toddler and preschool programs are slightly lower, typically ranging from $1,800 to $2,400 monthly. For financial assistance, Massachusetts offers the state-subsidized Child Care Voucher Program (also known as Income Eligible Child Care). Eligibility is based on family size and income. Additionally, some local centers may offer limited sliding-scale spots or scholarships. It's crucial to apply for vouchers well in advance, as waitlists exist. You can start the application process through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) website or by contacting the Child Care Resource and Referral agency for the North Shore region.
How long are waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Manchester, and when should I start my search?
Waitlists for the handful of licensed daycare centers and preschools in Manchester can be exceptionally long, often 12 to 24 months for infant spots. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the first trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool entry, you should initiate your search at least 9-12 months before your desired start date. The limited supply—with only a few centers like Manchester Nursery School and programs at the Manchester Community Center—coupled with high demand from local families creates this competitive environment. Be proactive: contact every center of interest, complete their specific waitlist forms (often with a non-refundable fee), and follow up periodically. Many families also expand their search to neighboring towns like Beverly, Gloucester, and Hamilton to increase options.
What are the licensing and safety regulations for home-based family childcare in Manchester, and how can I verify a provider's status?
All family childcare providers in Manchester must be licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). EEC regulations set strict standards for health, safety, curriculum, group size, and provider training. For a family childcare home, a licensed provider can care for a maximum of 6 children with no more than 2 being infants. To verify a provider's license status, compliance history, and any reported violations, you must use the EEC's online **Licensed Child Care Search** tool. This public database allows you to search by town and provider name to view their current license, capacity, and any serious corrective action plans. Always choose a licensed provider, as this ensures they meet state-mandated safety checks, including background records checks (CORI/SORI) for all adults in the home and regular inspections of the physical environment.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available in the Manchester area?
Yes, Manchester's coastal and natural environment lends itself to unique programming. While there is no fully outdoor "forest school" within town limits, several nearby programs on the North Shore incorporate strong nature-based curricula. More directly, Manchester's own programs, including the Manchester Nursery School, utilize local assets like Masconomo Park, Singing Beach, and the town's conservation trails for regular outdoor exploration and learning. Some family childcare providers also emphasize outdoor play in their yards and local walks. For a more dedicated nature-based preschool experience, parents often look at programs in neighboring Essex, Gloucester, or Ipswich, which may have structured outdoor classrooms. When touring any local program, ask specifically about their daily outdoor time, rain-or-shine policies, and how they integrate Manchester's natural surroundings into their curriculum.
What backup or emergency childcare options exist for Manchester residents when their regular provider is closed?
Given the frequent need for backup care due to provider illness, vacations, or school closures, Manchester parents have a few local and regional options. First, some licensed family childcare homes or centers in the network may offer occasional "drop-in" care if they have space, but this is rare and usually requires prior arrangement. A more reliable resource is the **North Shore YMCA** in nearby Beverly, which offers school vacation camps and may have emergency drop-in care for members. For last-minute needs, reputable babysitting services that vet their sitters, such as those found through Care.com or Sittercity, are commonly used. Many Manchester families also create informal networks with other parents for emergency swaps. It's advisable to discuss backup plans directly with your primary provider during enrollment and to identify and vet a backup sitter or two before the need arises.