The Best Daycare Centers in North Marshfield, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in North Marshfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in North Marshfield
The Children's Garden Early Learning Center
The Children's Garden
The Children's Garden Early Learning Center offers a comprehensive educational program focused on whole-child development through play-based learning and structured curriculum. Their experienced early childhood educators implement Creative Curriculum with STEM integration, focusing on social-emotional development, literacy, and cognitive skills. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, well-equipped classrooms. They maintain low teacher-to-child ratios and employ degreed early childhood professionals. The program emphasizes outdoor learning and nature exploration, with nutritious meals prepared on-site. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular conferences.
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Marshfield Community Preschool & Childcare
Marshfield Community Preschool
Marshfield Community Preschool & Childcare provides a nurturing environment with a balanced approach to early education, combining structured learning with child-directed activities. Their curriculum incorporates elements of HighScope and Reggio Emilia approaches, emphasizing hands-on exploration and project-based learning. The center maintains Massachusetts EEC licensing with all lead teachers holding bachelor's degrees in early childhood education. Safety features include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The facility offers multiple age-specific playgrounds, indoor gross motor spaces, and specialized learning centers. Their program includes music, movement, and Spanish language exposure.
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Bright Horizons at Duxbury
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Duxbury offers a nationally-recognized early education program with research-based curriculum that prepares children for academic success. Their World at Their Fingertips approach integrates literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts through hands-on learning experiences. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, including keypad entry and comprehensive monitoring. All teachers meet or exceed Massachusetts EEC qualifications, with ongoing professional development requirements. The facility includes multiple outdoor learning environments, STEM labs, and dedicated art studios. Their enhanced health and safety protocols include rigorous cleaning procedures and health screening systems. The center offers flexible scheduling options and serves the broader Marshfield area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in North Marshfield, MA
What are the typical costs for full-time infant and toddler daycare in North Marshfield, MA?
In North Marshfield and the surrounding South Shore area, daycare costs are generally above the state average. For full-time care (5 days a week), you can expect to pay approximately $1,800 to $2,400 per month for an infant (under 15 months), and $1,600 to $2,100 per month for a toddler. These rates are for licensed daycare centers; licensed family childcare homes may be slightly less expensive, typically ranging from $1,400 to $1,900 monthly. It's important to note that these are base tuition rates and may not include fees for registration, supplies, or meals. Massachusetts offers financial assistance programs like the Child Care Voucher Program (subsidized through the Department of Early Education and Care) for eligible families, which can significantly offset these costs.
How long are the waitlists for daycare centers in North Marshfield, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists in North Marshfield can be quite long. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for infant rooms. We strongly recommend that expecting parents begin touring facilities and getting on waitlists during the first or early second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool openings, starting your search 9-12 months in advance is advisable. Be proactive: contact multiple centers, ask specific questions about their list (e.g., "How many families are currently ahead of me for a September 2024 infant spot?"), and consider putting down a deposit (which is often refundable or applicable to tuition) to secure your place.
What are the key differences between a licensed daycare center and a licensed family childcare home in Massachusetts, and how do I find licensed providers in North Marshfield?
In Massachusetts, both types are licensed and regulated by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), but they operate differently. **Licensed Centers** are typically larger facilities with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and several staff members. They often have stricter teacher-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:3 for infants, 1:4 for toddlers). **Licensed Family Childcare Homes** are run out of a provider's residence, offering a smaller, home-like setting with mixed-age groups and often more flexible hours. The state ratio for a family provider is 6 children with no more than 2 under 2 years old, including the provider's own children. To find licensed providers in North Marshfield, use the EEC's online search tool ("Find Child Care" on mass.gov/eec). You can filter by location, age group, and type of care. Always verify a provider's license status and review their latest inspection reports through this portal.
Are there any local North Marshfield resources or programs to help parents evaluate and choose quality childcare?
Yes, an excellent local resource is the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency that serves the South Shore region**, which includes North Marshfield. Specifically, **Child Care Choices of Boston** serves many communities south of the city. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed programs, guidance on what to look for during tours, and information on financial assistance. They can be contacted via their website or phone. Additionally, the **Marshfield Food Pantry and community centers** often have bulletin boards with local provider information. When evaluating quality, Massachusetts uses a **Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)**. Look for programs with a QRIS level (1-4); a higher level indicates a commitment to meeting quality standards beyond basic licensing.
What are the state-mandated staff-to-child ratios and safety regulations I should expect a North Marshfield daycare to follow?
Massachusetts EEC mandates strict staff-to-child ratios based on age: * **Infants (0-15 months):** 1 staff member to 3 infants (group size max 7) * **Toddlers (15-33 months):** 1 staff member to 4 toddlers (group size max 9) * **Preschool (2.9-5 years):** 1 staff member to 10 children All lead teachers in center-based programs must have a minimum of a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent. For safety, licensed providers must have written emergency preparedness plans, conduct regular drills, maintain secure access, and follow strict protocols for hygiene, medication administration, and safe sleep practices for infants (following "Back to Sleep" guidelines). You have the right to ask any provider in North Marshfield about their compliance with these regulations and to view their most recent EEC licensing report.
Nearby Cities
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