The Best Daycare Centers in Millis, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Millis. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Millis
Bright Horizons at Medway
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Medway is a highly-regarded childcare center located just minutes from Millis, serving families throughout the Medway-Millis region. The center follows the World at Their Fingertips curriculum, which emphasizes hands-on learning and developmentally appropriate activities across all age groups. Their educated teaching staff includes certified early childhood educators with specialized training in infant/toddler development and preschool education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms with natural lighting, and well-maintained outdoor play areas. Bright Horizons maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provides nutritious meals and snacks. The center is particularly noted for its strong parent communication through daily reports and regular family engagement events.
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The Goddard School of Franklin
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Franklin serves families from Millis and surrounding communities with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. The school employs state-certified teachers who receive ongoing professional development in early childhood education best practices. Their secure facility includes dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, STEM learning centers for preschoolers, and expansive playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment. The curriculum incorporates literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts while emphasizing character development and social skills. Parents consistently praise the school's warm environment, experienced leadership, and excellent communication through their proprietary mobile app.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Franklin
KinderCare Education
KinderCare's Franklin location has been serving Millis-area families for nearly two decades with a research-based curriculum that prepares children for academic success while nurturing their social and emotional growth. The center features dedicated learning centers for each age group, including a secure infant area with individualized care plans and a preschool wing focused on kindergarten readiness skills. Their qualified teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and participates in continuous professional development. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor learning environments, with safety features including secured entry systems and comprehensive emergency preparedness protocols. KinderCare Franklin is particularly noted for its inclusive approach and strong track record of preparing children for elementary school transitions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Millis, MA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Millis, MA?
In Millis and the surrounding MetroWest area, full-time daycare costs are generally aligned with state averages, which are among the highest in the nation. For an infant (under 15 months), you can expect to pay between $1,800 to $2,300 per month at a licensed center. For a toddler (15 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,500 to $2,000 per month. Home-based family childcare in Millis is often slightly more affordable, ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 monthly. These rates reflect the high cost of living, stringent Massachusetts staff-to-child ratios, and the competitive local market. It's important to ask what is included in tuition (e.g., diapers, wipes, meals) as policies vary. Financial assistance may be available through the state's Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) for qualifying families.
How do I find and verify licensed childcare providers in Millis?
The primary resource is the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) online search tool. You can filter by location (Millis, 02054), program type (center-based or family childcare), and age group. Every licensed provider in Millis will have a visible EEC license number. Once you identify a potential provider, you should review their official EEC licensing profile, which includes inspection reports, any non-compliance history, and their licensed capacity. You can also contact the EEC Regional Office that oversees Millis for additional information. Additionally, local resources like the Millis Public Schools Community Education page or town Facebook groups often have discussions and recommendations about reputable local providers.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Millis, and how early should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots in Millis due to high demand and limited slots, especially at highly-rated centers. For infant care, it is strongly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists during your first or early second trimester of pregnancy—sometimes 9-12 months in advance. For toddler programs, starting 6-8 months before your desired start date is advisable. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their waitlist: Is there a fee? How often is it updated? What is the typical wait time? Some smaller family childcare homes in town may have more immediate or flexible openings, but it's still wise to plan ahead. Persistence and applying to multiple options is key.
What are the options for part-time or non-traditional hour childcare in Millis?
Traditional daycare centers in Millis predominantly offer full-time, weekday schedules (e.g., 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM). Part-time options (2-3 days a week) are less common and often fill quickly. Your best bet for part-time care is typically licensed family childcare homes, which may offer more schedule flexibility. For true non-traditional hours (evenings, overnight, weekends), options are extremely limited in Millis itself. You may need to expand your search to neighboring towns like Medway, Norfolk, or Franklin, or explore networks like Care.com for in-home nannies or babysitters who can accommodate such schedules. The Millis community may also have informal babysitting cooperatives or shares that parents organize.
Does the Town of Millis offer any public preschool or pre-kindergarten programs?
Yes, the Millis Public Schools district operates a public preschool program for children ages 3-5. The program is typically a part-day, school-year program and is housed at the Clyde F. Brown Elementary School. Enrollment is through an application process, and there is a tuition cost, though it is generally lower than private full-day daycare. The program may offer a limited number of slots for children with identified special needs at no cost, as mandated by the state. Availability is limited, so interested parents should contact the Millis Public Schools Superintendent's Office or the elementary school directly for application timelines and eligibility requirements. This can be a more affordable bridge between early daycare and kindergarten.