The Best Daycare Centers in Norton, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Norton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Norton
The Goddard School of Norton
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Norton offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their play-based curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides daily communication to parents about their child's activities and progress.
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The Children's Workshop - Mansfield
The Children's Workshop
Located just minutes from Norton in neighboring Mansfield, The Children's Workshop provides a well-rounded educational program serving infants through school-age children. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and expansive outdoor play areas. All staff members are CPR and First Aid certified, with lead teachers holding degrees in early childhood education. The program includes nutritious meals and snacks, regular developmental assessments, and strong parent-teacher communication through a dedicated app.
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Little Sprouts Early Education & Child Care - Attleboro
Little Sprouts LLC
Little Sprouts in nearby Attleboro serves Norton families with their innovative "Budding Scholars" curriculum that combines play-based learning with structured academic preparation. The program focuses on social-emotional development, literacy, mathematics, and creative expression through project-based learning. The facility includes state-of-the-art security systems, bright and engaging classrooms, and dedicated art and music spaces. Teachers are highly qualified with bachelor's degrees in education and receive extensive training in child development. The center emphasizes inclusive education and maintains strong communication with families through daily updates and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Norton, MA
What are the typical costs for infant daycare in Norton, MA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Norton, MA, the average cost for full-time infant daycare ranges from approximately $1,600 to $2,200 per month, depending on the type of center, its specific programs, and staff-to-child ratios. Family childcare homes may be slightly less expensive. These costs are generally in line with the broader Bristol County and Greater Attleboro area. For financial assistance, Massachusetts offers the Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA) program, administered through the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Eligibility is based on family income, size, and need. Additionally, local organizations like the Self-Help Inc. Child Care Circuit, which serves the Brockton and Attleboro regions including Norton, can help families navigate subsidy applications and find affordable, quality care. It's highly recommended to apply for assistance early, as waitlists for subsidized slots can exist.
How do I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Norton?
All licensed childcare providers in Norton, Massachusetts, are regulated by the state's Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). The most direct way to verify a provider's license and view their compliance history is to use the EEC's online "Search for Child Care" portal. Here, you can search by provider name, location (Norton, MA, 02766), or type of care. The profile for each licensed program includes its current license status, capacity, ages served, and any non-compliance reports from the past three years. You can also call the EEC's regional office for the Southeast region for additional information. It's crucial to choose only EEC-licensed providers, as this ensures they meet state standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, and curriculum.
What is the availability and typical waitlist situation for daycare centers in Norton, especially for toddlers?
Availability for daycare, particularly for toddlers (ages 15 months to 2.9 years), in Norton can be limited, and waitlists are common. Norton has a mix of center-based programs and family childcare homes, but the number of slots is often less than the demand, a trend seen in many Massachusetts towns. For popular centers, it's not unusual for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, or even longer for infant rooms. The best strategy is to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or several months before your needed start date. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process, any fees to join, and how often they update families on their position.
Are there any unique or nature-based preschool programs available in the Norton area?
Yes, Norton and its surrounding towns offer some excellent options for nature-based or play-focused early education. While Norton itself is home to several traditional preschools, parents often look to neighboring communities for specialized programs. The Attleboro area, for instance, has preschools that incorporate outdoor classrooms and nature exploration. Furthermore, the Wheaton College campus in Norton sometimes hosts community programs or camps that can introduce young children to nature. For a more dedicated outdoor curriculum, you may explore forest schools or nature preschools in nearby towns like Mansfield or Foxborough, which are within a reasonable driving distance. Checking with the Norton Parks and Recreation Department can also reveal seasonal outdoor programs for preschoolers.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in Norton Public Schools?
The Norton Public School District partners with the Norton Recreation Department to offer the "Norton Kids Club," which is the primary before and after-school care program for students in grades K-5. It operates at the J.C. Solmonese Elementary School. The program provides care from approximately 7:00 AM until school starts and from school dismissal until 6:00 PM. Registration typically opens in the spring for the following school year and fills quickly. There are also private daycare centers in Norton that offer school-age programs with transportation to and from the elementary and middle schools. Additionally, some local family childcare providers may offer before/after-school care. It's important to inquire about registration timelines, costs, and whether transportation is provided directly by the program or needs to be arranged separately.