The Best Daycare Centers in North Andover, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in North Andover. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in North Andover
The Children's Village of North Andover
Independent
The Children's Village of North Andover is a highly-regarded independent childcare center offering comprehensive educational programs from infancy through kindergarten. Their curriculum emphasizes play-based learning while incorporating structured academic preparation. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, including keypad entry and comprehensive monitoring. Teachers hold early childhood education degrees and participate in ongoing professional development. The facility includes spacious classrooms, dedicated age-appropriate playgrounds, and a commercial kitchen providing nutritious meals. Parent communication is prioritized through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences, with a strong focus on social-emotional development and school readiness.
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Bright Horizons at Phillips Academy
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Phillips Academy, located just minutes from North Andover, offers a research-based curriculum called The World at Their Fingertips, which focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on learning. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios and employs degreed early childhood educators. Safety protocols include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness training. The facility includes dedicated art studios, music rooms, and outdoor learning environments. Bright Horizons' emergent curriculum adapts to children's interests while ensuring kindergarten readiness, with strong emphasis on character development and community engagement.
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The Goddard School of Andover
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Andover serves North Andover families with a play-based learning approach grounded in academic research. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) balances academic, social, and emotional development through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities. The school features secure facilities with electronic entry systems and live-streaming capabilities for parents. All lead teachers hold four-year degrees in early childhood education or related fields. The curriculum includes foreign language exposure, yoga, and music programming. The facility includes multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated spaces for creative arts and movement activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in North Andover, MA
What are the typical costs for infant daycare in North Andover, MA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In North Andover, the average cost for full-time infant daycare ranges from $1,800 to $2,300 per month, depending on the type of center (corporate, non-profit, or in-home). Preschool programs for older children are slightly less, typically between $1,400 and $1,800 monthly. To help with these costs, Massachusetts offers state-subsidized vouchers through the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Eligibility is based on family income, work, or school status. Additionally, some local centers offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's highly recommended to contact the North Andover Family Resource Center, which can provide personalized guidance on financial aid and connect you with local programs.
How long are waitlists for licensed daycare centers in North Andover, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for high-quality, licensed daycare centers in North Andover can be significant, especially for infant spots. It's not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. For this reason, many parents begin their search and add their name to lists during the first trimester of pregnancy or even before. We recommend touring facilities and applying to multiple centers to increase your options. For preschool-age entry (around 2.9 years), you should still inquire at least 9-12 months in advance, as many programs have annual enrollment cycles that fill up quickly.
What are the key differences between a licensed family childcare home and a center-based program in North Andover?
Both are licensed by the Massachusetts EEC, but they offer different environments. Licensed Family Childcare (FCC) homes are run out of a provider's residence in North Andover, typically caring for a smaller, mixed-age group of up to 10 children (with specific ratios). They often offer more flexible hours and a home-like setting. Center-based programs are in commercial spaces, have multiple classrooms divided by age, and employ several teachers. They may offer more structured curricula, larger peer groups, and on-site amenities like gyms or commercial kitchens. Your choice depends on your child's needs for socialization, structure, and the type of caregiver relationship you prefer. The North Andover community has a strong network of both types of providers.
Are there any North Andover-specific resources to help me find and evaluate licensed childcare providers?
Yes, there are excellent local resources. Your first stop should be the **North Andover Family Resource Center (NAFRC)**. They maintain local provider lists, offer parent education, and can help you navigate the search process. For verifying licensing and viewing inspection reports, use the Massachusetts EEC's online **Licensed Child Care Search** tool, where you can filter by town. Furthermore, the **North Andover Mothers (NAM)** Facebook group and other local parent networks are invaluable for getting personal recommendations and insights into the day-to-day experiences at specific centers or homes in town.
What should I look for during a daycare tour in North Andover, and what questions are specific to Massachusetts regulations?
During a tour, observe cleanliness, child engagement, and staff-child interactions. Ask specific questions about: 1) **Staff-to-child ratios** (MA law requires 1:3 for infants, 1:4 for toddlers, etc.) and staff qualifications (all lead teachers must have EEC certification). 2) Their **license status**—ask to see their current EEC license and any recent inspection reports. 3) Their **emergency plans** for events like fires or medical issues, and their policy for sick children. 4) Their curriculum and how they communicate daily activities (many North Andover centers use apps like Brightwheel). 5) **Outdoor play**—ask about their playground schedule and safety, as MA has specific outdoor time requirements. Finally, ask about their policy for the North Andover Public Schools' early release days if you have older children.
Childcare Insights for North Andover
As the school year winds down, many parents in North Andover find themselves facing the annual question: what are the best summer daycare options near me? Finding the right fit for your child during the sunny months is about more than just supervision; it’s about securing a summer filled with enrichment, fun, and local adventure. The good news is that North Andover and its surrounding communities offer a wonderful array of programs designed to keep children engaged while providing parents with peace of mind.
When beginning your search for summer daycare in North Andover, consider the unique blend of opportunities our town provides. Many local programs take full advantage of our beautiful natural resources. Look for childcare options that incorporate regular visits to Weir Hill or walks along Lake Cochichewick. These outdoor experiences are not only refreshing but are a cornerstone of a classic New England summer. Furthermore, several local centers and family daycare providers structure their summer themes around community events, potentially including visits to the North Andover Farmers Market or exploring local history, which adds a special hometown feel to your child’s experience.
It’s wise to start your inquiries early, as popular programs in our area can fill up quickly, often by early spring. When you contact a provider, ask specific questions about their summer curriculum. The best programs balance structured activities, like arts and crafts or science projects, with ample free play and outdoor time. Inquire about weekly field trips; some North Andover-based programs might organize trips to nearby destinations like the Stevens-Coolidge Place or a local splash pad, which are fantastic ways to break up the routine. Also, don’t overlook the value of consistency. A daycare that your child already attends or one that maintains a stable, familiar routine can make the transition into summer smoother, especially for younger children.
Another key consideration is flexibility. Many North Andover parents juggle work schedules, and finding a program that offers full-time, part-time, or even weekly enrollment can be a lifesaver. Be sure to understand the operational hours, especially if you commute to routes 93 or 495, and ask about their policy for early drop-off or late pick-up. Finally, trust your instincts during a visit. Observe if the children seem happily engaged and if the staff are interacting warmly. The ideal summer daycare in North Andover will feel like a secure and joyful extension of your own care, where your child can make memories, forge new friendships, and enjoy all the magic a Massachusetts summer has to offer, right in our own community.