The Best Daycare Centers in Northborough, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Northborough. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Northborough
Primrose School of Westborough
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Westborough offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. Their approach focuses on character development, literacy, math, science, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. Teachers hold early childhood education degrees and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, with a strong focus on creating a nurturing environment that supports each child's individual development.
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The Goddard School of Westborough
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Westborough provides a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities. Their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program encourages children to explore and discover through structured play. The facility includes secure classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and enrichment programs like yoga and foreign language exposure. All teachers are early childhood education certified and participate in continuous training. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and uses a comprehensive security system with keypad entry and surveillance monitoring.
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Bright Horizons at Southborough
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Southborough offers the World at Their Fingertips curriculum, which emphasizes emergent learning through children's interests and developmental stages. The program focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional development through project-based learning. The center features modern classrooms, dedicated outdoor learning environments, and enhanced safety protocols including secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The center is known for its strong parent partnership approach with regular communication and family engagement events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Northborough, MA
What are the typical costs for full-time infant and toddler daycare in Northborough, MA?
In Northborough, full-time daycare costs are generally aligned with the higher-than-state-average rates found in the MetroWest region. For infants (under 15 months), you can expect to pay between $1,800 to $2,300 per month. For toddlers (15 months to 3 years), rates typically range from $1,600 to $2,000 per month. These costs reflect the state's stringent staff-to-child ratios (1:3 for infants, 1:4 for toddlers), high operational standards, and the competitive local market. Some centers may offer a slight discount for a second child. It's important to ask what is included in tuition, such as diapers, wipes, and meals, as this can affect the overall value.
How long are waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Northborough, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for high-quality, licensed daycare centers in Northborough can be significant, especially for infant spots. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. 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 4-6 months in advance is advisable. Be sure to ask each center about their specific waitlist policy—some require a non-refundable deposit to hold a spot, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no fee.
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Northborough?
Northborough offers several licensed childcare options to fit different family needs. The primary types are: 1. **Daycare Centers:** Larger facilities, often with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and multiple staff. Examples include the Goddard School and Kindercare. 2. **Family Childcare (FCC):** Licensed care provided in a provider's home. These are often smaller, mixed-age settings with a more home-like environment. The Northborough area has many licensed FCC providers. 3. **Public Preschool:** The Northborough-Southborough Public School District (Northborough Elementary Schools) offers integrated preschool programs for children ages 3-5, which may include both typical peers and children with identified needs. These are typically part-day programs. All licensed providers in Massachusetts are regulated by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), which you can verify through their online search tool.
Are there any local resources or programs in Northborough to help parents find and evaluate childcare?
Yes, a key local resource is the **Central Massachusetts Child Care Resources & Referral (CCR&R) agency**, which is part of the Seven Hills Foundation. They serve Northborough and provide free, personalized referrals to licensed childcare programs that match your family's needs, location, and schedule. They can also provide guidance on understanding quality indicators, state subsidies (like vouchers), and the state's Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). Additionally, the **Northborough Free Library** often hosts community bulletin boards with information on local family childcare providers, and local parenting groups on social media (like "Northborough Moms") can be a source of personal recommendations.
What should I look for during a daycare tour specific to Massachusetts regulations and Northborough's community?
During a tour, go beyond the basics and ask specific questions related to Massachusetts EEC standards and local practices. Key things to observe and ask include: - **Staff Qualifications:** In MA, lead teachers must have at least a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or be working toward an EEC-approved degree. Ask about ongoing training. - **Safety & Licensing:** Verify the license is current and posted. Ask about their emergency plans, especially for weather events common to Northborough (e.g., snowstorms, power outages). - **Curriculum & Outdoor Play:** Inquire about their educational philosophy and how it aligns with the Massachusetts Early Learning Guidelines. Observe the outdoor play space—is it secure, shaded, and does children's access to it align with your comfort level given New England's variable weather? - **Community Connection:** Ask how they integrate the local community (e.g., visits from the Northborough Fire Department, walks to local parks like Ellsworth-McAfee Park). - **Parent Communication:** Understand their daily reporting system (often via apps like Brightwheel or Tadpoles) and their policy on sick children, which should adhere to strict MA exclusion guidelines.