The Best Daycare Centers in Norwood, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Norwood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Norwood
The Goddard School of Norwood
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Norwood offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development programs. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. The center is known for its strong communication with parents through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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Bright Horizons at Norwood
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Norwood provides a research-based curriculum called The World at Their Fingertips, which emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional development. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated age-specific learning environments, and natural outdoor play spaces. Their teachers typically hold bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The program includes enrichment activities like music, movement, and gardening. Bright Horizons is recognized for its comprehensive health and safety protocols and strong parent partnership approach.
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The Children's Workshop - Westwood
The Children's Workshop
Located in nearby Westwood and serving the Norwood area, The Children's Workshop offers a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates academic preparation with social development. Their program includes literacy enrichment, mathematics exploration, and hands-on science activities. The center features secure facilities with surveillance systems, age-appropriate learning materials, and outdoor play areas. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and participate in continuous training. The center is particularly noted for its flexible scheduling options and comprehensive summer enrichment programs that include field trips and special activities for school-age children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Norwood, MA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Norwood, MA?
In Norwood, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the type of program. For center-based infant care, parents can expect to pay between $1,800 to $2,400 per month. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,600 to $2,100 per month. Licensed family childcare homes are often more affordable, averaging $1,200 to $1,800 monthly for full-time care. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, facility amenities, and whether meals are provided. It's important to note that costs in Norwood are generally in line with the broader Greater Boston area, which is among the most expensive childcare markets in the country. Many providers offer limited financial aid or sibling discounts, and families should explore state subsidies through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) if eligible.
How do I find and verify licensed childcare providers in Norwood?
The primary resource for finding licensed providers is the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) online search tool. You can filter by city (Norwood), age of child, and type of care (center or family childcare home). Every licensed provider in Norwood must display their EEC license, which includes their capacity, ages served, and any history of violations. You should always verify the license status directly on the EEC website, checking for the license's expiration date and review history. Additionally, the Norwood Public Schools website and local community centers like the Norwood Civic Center often have resource lists. For added due diligence, parents can contact the Norwood Board of Health, which regulates local safety codes for these facilities.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Norwood, and how should I plan for them?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant rooms in highly regarded centers and for programs affiliated with local employers or institutions. It is not unusual for popular Norwood daycare centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months or longer for infant spots. To plan effectively, parents should begin their search and make inquiries during the early stages of pregnancy. When touring facilities, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee to join? How often is the list updated? What is the typical notification timeline? It's advisable to get on multiple waitlists and to follow up politely every few months. Exploring a mix of centers and licensed family childcare homes can increase your chances of securing a spot in a timely manner.
What are some local Norwood resources or programs that can help with childcare costs or finding care?
Norwood families have several local and state resources. First, you should apply for financial assistance through the state's Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA) program, administered by the EEC, which provides subsidies based on income and need. Locally, the Norwood Community Learning Program may offer preschool options with income-based tuition. The Norwood Housing Authority can provide information on support programs for residents. For referrals and personalized search help, parents can contact Child Care Choices of Boston, which serves the Norwood area. Additionally, connecting with local parent groups on social media (like "Norwood, MA Moms" on Facebook) can provide leads on home-based providers and nanny shares, which are popular in the community.
What are the key differences between daycare centers and family childcare homes in Norwood, and how do I choose?
The main differences lie in setting, scale, and often, flexibility. Daycare centers in Norwood (e.g., Bright Horizons, Kindercare, or local independents) are typically larger facilities with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and larger staff teams. They often have stricter hours (e.g., 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM). Family childcare homes are run by a licensed provider in their residence, offering a mixed-age, home-like environment with smaller groups (up to 10 children, including the provider's own). They can offer more flexible hours and may be more accommodating with part-time schedules. When choosing, consider your child's temperament, your schedule, and your priorities. Centers may offer more resources and peer interaction for specific age groups, while homes often provide more personalized care and mixed-age socialization. Always ensure any option you consider is EEC-licensed and schedule in-person visits to both types of settings in Norwood to get a true feel.