The Best Daycare Centers in Marshfield Hills, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Marshfield Hills. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Marshfield Hills
The Goddard School of Marshfield
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Marshfield 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-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Highly qualified teachers implement play-based learning with STEAM curriculum, language development, and character education. The center maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides nutritious meals. Parents praise the consistent communication through daily reports and the professional, nurturing environment that prepares children for kindergarten success.
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The Learning Experience - Marshfield
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Marshfield provides a comprehensive early education curriculum with proprietary programs including L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) and philanthropy curriculum. The center features modern, bright classrooms, secure facilities with keypad entry, and multiple outdoor playgrounds. Their curriculum focuses on academic preparation, social skills, and character development through music, movement, and hands-on activities. The center employs certified early childhood educators and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. Parents consistently highlight the caring staff, clean facilities, and the visible progress children make in both academic and social development.
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Little Harbor Early Childhood Center
Independent
Located in nearby Scituate, Little Harbor Early Childhood Center serves families throughout the South Shore area including Marshfield Hills. This highly-regarded independent center offers a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum that balances structured learning with child-directed exploration. The facility features natural light-filled classrooms, secure outdoor play spaces, and a focus on creating a home-like environment. Their experienced educators hold advanced degrees in early childhood education and maintain small class sizes. The center emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy foundations, and hands-on science and math experiences. Parents consistently praise the personalized attention, experienced staff, and the warm, nurturing atmosphere that makes children feel secure and valued.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Marshfield Hills, MA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Marshfield Hills, MA?
In Marshfield Hills and the surrounding South Shore area, full-time daycare costs are generally aligned with the higher-than-average rates for Massachusetts. For an infant (under 15 months), you can expect to pay between $1,800 to $2,400 per month. For a toddler (15 months to 3 years), rates typically range from $1,600 to $2,100 per month. These costs reflect the state's high standards for staff-to-child ratios and caregiver qualifications. It's important to note that prices can vary based on the type of center (corporate chain vs. in-home family daycare), specific programs offered, and whether meals are included. Many facilities in the area have annual registration or supply fees as well. We recommend contacting providers directly for their most current fee schedules.
How long are waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Marshfield Hills, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists in Marshfield Hills and neighboring towns like Marshfield and Duxbury can be significant. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for infant care. We strongly advise parents to begin their search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible—ideally during the first trimester of pregnancy or even before conception if you are planning. Many local centers have rolling admissions but prioritize siblings of current families. When touring, be sure to ask about the estimated wait time for your child's age group, the deposit policy to hold a spot, and how often the list is updated.
What are the main differences between a licensed family childcare home and a center-based program in Marshfield Hills?
In Marshfield Hills, parents typically choose between licensed Family Child Care (FCC) homes and center-based programs. FCC homes are run out of a provider's residence and are licensed for a smaller number of children (usually up to 10, including the provider's own), offering a mixed-age, home-like environment. They often provide more flexible hours and may be slightly less expensive. Center-based programs are in commercial buildings, have multiple classrooms divided by age, and employ a larger staff. They often follow a more structured curriculum. Both are licensed and inspected by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), which sets standards for safety, curriculum, and staff training. Your choice may depend on your preference for environment, schedule, and the social setting you want for your child.
Are there any local resources or programs in Marshfield Hills to help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, a key local resource is the **Child Care Circuit**, which is the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency serving the South Shore, including Plymouth County. They offer a free, personalized referral service to help parents find licensed and approved childcare that fits their needs. You can contact them via their website or phone to get a list of providers in Marshfield Hills, Marshfield, and surrounding towns. They also provide information on state financial assistance programs like the Income Eligible Voucher. Additionally, local parenting groups on social media platforms like Facebook (e.g., "Marshfield, MA Moms") are invaluable for getting personal recommendations and experiences from other parents in the community.
What are the state-mandated staff-to-child ratios I should expect from a licensed provider in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has some of the most stringent staff-to-child ratios in the country, which directly impacts the quality of care. For licensed providers in Marshfield Hills, you should expect the following EEC-mandated ratios: * **Infants (0-15 months):** 1 staff member for every 3 infants (group size max 7). * **Toddlers (15-33 months):** 1 staff member for every 4 toddlers (group size max 9). * **Preschool (2.9 years to 5 years):** 1 staff member for every 10 children. These ratios are non-negotiable for licensed programs and are a critical indicator of safety and the amount of individual attention your child will receive. Always verify a provider's current license with the MA EEC online licensing portal, which also shows any compliance history.
Nearby Cities
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