The Best Daycare Centers in Plymouth, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Plymouth. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Plymouth
Little Sprouts Early Education & Child Care
Little Sprouts LLC
Little Sprouts Plymouth offers a research-based curriculum focused on social-emotional development and academic readiness. Their "Brain Waves" curriculum incorporates STEAM activities, literacy development, and hands-on learning experiences. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facility access with comprehensive safety protocols. They provide nutritious meals and snacks through their "Sproutful" food program and maintain excellent parent communication through daily digital updates and regular conferences.
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The Goddard School of Plymouth
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Plymouth provides a play-based learning environment with FLEX Learning Program that balances academic preparation with social development. Their STEAM-focused curriculum includes robotics, coding, and foreign language exposure. The facility features secure entry systems, indoor gymnasium, and age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the school maintains NAEYC accreditation standards. They offer extended hours and enrichment programs including yoga, music, and art classes.
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Bright Horizons at Duxbury
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Duxbury serves Plymouth-area families with their World at Their Fingers curriculum that emphasizes emergent learning and project-based activities. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, dedicated age-specific classrooms, and natural outdoor learning environments. Their highly qualified staff includes teachers with bachelor's degrees and ongoing professional development. The program focuses on developing executive function skills, literacy, and mathematical thinking through hands-on exploration. They offer employer-sponsored backup care and maintain exceptional health and safety standards with on-site health coordinators.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Plymouth, MA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Plymouth, MA?
In Plymouth, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,600 to $2,200 per month for infant care, and slightly less ($1,400 to $1,900) for toddlers. Home-based family childcare is often more affordable, typically ranging from $1,200 to $1,700 monthly. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Massachusetts is one of the most expensive states for childcare. Parents should inquire about what is included in the fee (e.g., diapers, wipes, meals) and explore financial assistance options like the state's Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA) program or dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in Plymouth, and how can I improve my chances of securing a spot?
Waitlists in Plymouth, especially for highly-regarded centers and infant rooms, can be notoriously long, often ranging from 6 to 18 months. Popular centers may even have waitlists that exceed a year. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Apply to multiple centers—consider a mix of larger centers, smaller local programs, and licensed family childcare homes to broaden your options. Stay proactive by calling for periodic updates (every 2-3 months) to express continued interest. Some centers in Plymouth also offer priority to siblings of current students, town employees, or families already enrolled in other programs they operate, so be sure to ask about any priority policies.
What are the key state licensing requirements I should verify when touring a daycare in Plymouth?
All childcare providers in Plymouth must be licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Key requirements to verify include: **Staff-to-Child Ratios** (e.g., 1:3 for infants, 1:4 for toddlers), which are strictly enforced for safety. **Staff Qualifications**: Lead teachers must have specific credentials, and all staff undergo comprehensive background checks (CORI/SORI). **Health and Safety**: The facility must have passed recent inspections for fire safety, sanitation, and building codes. You can and should ask to see the provider's current license, which must be posted publicly. Additionally, you can look up a provider's licensing history, including any non-compliance reports, directly on the EEC website to ensure they are in good standing.
Are there any unique local programs or resources in Plymouth that support parents seeking childcare?
Yes, Plymouth offers several local resources. The **Plymouth Family Network (PFN)**, funded by the EEC and operated through the Plymouth Public Schools, is a fantastic free resource. They offer playgroups, parenting workshops, and, crucially, personalized support and referrals for finding licensed childcare. The **South Shore Community Action Council (SSCAC)** also serves the area, providing information and application assistance for state childcare vouchers (CCFA). Furthermore, the **Town of Plymouth's Recreation Department** often runs preschool and school-age programs that can complement traditional daycare. Connecting with these organizations can provide invaluable local insight and support networks.
What should I consider regarding preschool programs versus traditional daycare for my 3 or 4-year-old in Plymouth?
In Plymouth, you'll find both traditional daycare centers with preschool curricula and dedicated preschool programs, often with shorter hours (e.g., 9 AM-12 PM). Daycare centers provide full-day, year-round care aligned with EEC standards, ideal for working parents. Dedicated preschools, which may be public (like the Plymouth Public Schools' integrated preschool), private, or faith-based, often focus intensely on kindergarten readiness but require separate aftercare arrangements. A key local factor is that the Plymouth Public Schools offer a free, high-quality integrated preschool for 3 and 4-year-olds, but eligibility and availability are based on screening and lottery. Weigh your need for full-day coverage, educational philosophy, and budget. Many parents use a combination, such as a preschool program supplemented by a family childcare home for extended hours.