The Best Daycare Centers in Quincy, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Quincy. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Quincy
The Goddard School of Quincy
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Quincy offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional growth. The facility features secure entry systems, multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. All lead teachers hold bachelor's or master's degrees in education or related fields, and the school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. Parents consistently praise the engaging curriculum, excellent communication, and nurturing environment that prepares children for kindergarten success.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Quincy
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Quincy provides comprehensive early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes emergent learning and project-based activities. The center features secure facilities with coded entry, age-specific learning environments, and outdoor play spaces. Their highly qualified staff includes teachers with degrees in early childhood education, and they maintain excellent staff-to-child ratios. The program includes daily updates through the Bright Horizons mobile app, nutritious meals and snacks, and enrichment activities like music and movement. Parents highlight the center's professional staff, clean facilities, and strong emphasis on developmental milestones.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Experience - Braintree
The Learning Experience
Located just minutes from Quincy in neighboring Braintree, The Learning Experience serves many Quincy families with their innovative L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum. The center offers specialized programs including phonics, foreign language, and manners and etiquette. Their state-of-the-art facility includes secure entry systems, multiple playgrounds, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The highly trained teaching staff focuses on individualized learning plans and maintains excellent communication with parents through daily reports and regular conferences. Parents consistently praise the engaging curriculum, caring teachers, and the center's ability to prepare children academically and socially for elementary school.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Quincy, MA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Quincy, MA?
In Quincy, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the type of center and the child's age. For an infant (under 15 months), you can expect to pay between $1,800 and $2,400 per month at a licensed daycare center. For toddlers (15 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,500 to $2,100 per month. Home-based family childcare is often more affordable, ranging from $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 location within Quincy. It's important to note that these costs are generally lower than in neighboring Boston but have been rising. Many facilities in Quincy offer limited financial assistance or sliding scale fees, and parents should explore state subsidies through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) if eligible.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare centers in Quincy, and how can I improve my chances of securing a spot?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers in Quincy can be long, especially for infant rooms. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. To improve your chances, start your search and get on lists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or 9-12 months before your needed start date. Be proactive: contact multiple centers (including both centers and licensed family childcare homes), schedule tours, and get on their lists even if you're unsure. Follow up politely every few months to express continued interest. Consider being flexible with your start date if possible. Also, explore newer centers or those slightly outside your immediate neighborhood in Quincy, as they may have shorter lists. Always confirm the waitlist policy, including any non-refundable deposit required to hold a spot.
What are the key state licensing requirements and safety regulations I should verify for a daycare in Quincy?
All childcare providers in Quincy must be licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Key requirements parents should 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 training and often a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or higher. **Background Checks**: All staff undergo comprehensive national background checks (CORI/SORI). **Health and Safety**: Programs must have detailed plans for emergencies, safe sleep practices for infants, immunization records for children, and regular facility inspections. You can and should check a provider's licensing status and any history of violations through the EEC's online search tool. A quality Quincy daycare will readily provide their EEC license number and discuss their compliance with these regulations.
Are there any city-specific resources or programs in Quincy to help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, Quincy offers several local resources. The primary resource is the **Quincy Community Action Programs (QCAP) Early Childhood Department**. QCAP provides free, personalized childcare referral services, helping parents navigate options, understand subsidies, and find openings. They are deeply knowledgeable about local providers. Additionally, the **City of Quincy's Health Department** can provide information on licensed providers and health regulations. For evaluations, parents can use the state's **EEC Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)**, which rates programs from Level 1 to Level 5. Many Quincy centers participate, and a higher QRIS level indicates a commitment to quality beyond minimum licensing. Attending local parent groups on social media or community centers can also yield personal recommendations and insights into Quincy's daycare landscape.
What are the common options for backup or emergency childcare in Quincy if my regular provider is closed?
Finding backup care in Quincy requires planning. Options include: **Drop-in Centers**: Some local daycare centers offer occasional "drop-in" days if space is available, but this is rare and usually requires pre-registration. **Nanny/Babysitter Networks**: Using local agencies or apps like Care.com to find screened babysitters for short-term care. **Family Childcare Homes**: Smaller licensed home-based providers may have more flexibility for occasional care than large centers. **Backup Care Programs**: Some employers offer subsidized backup care through services like Bright Horizons, which has a network that may include providers in the Quincy area. The best strategy is to discuss backup policies with your primary provider upfront and build a network of trusted babysitters or family friends locally. Planning for school closures, professional development days, and provider illnesses is crucial, as last-minute options in Quincy are very limited.
Childcare Insights for Quincy
Finding the right childcare is a journey filled with hope and careful consideration, and when your child has special needs, that search takes on an even greater importance. For parents in Quincy, Massachusetts, navigating the landscape of "special needs daycare near me" means looking for more than just a facility; it's about finding a supportive community that understands your child's unique strengths and challenges. The good news is that Quincy and the surrounding South Shore area offer several pathways to quality care, though knowing where to start can make all the difference.
Your first and most valuable resource is often right here in our city. Connecting with the Quincy Public Schools' Early Childhood Department can provide crucial guidance. Even if your child is not yet of school age, their team can offer information about developmental screenings, early intervention services, and referrals to inclusive or specialized programs in the area. Massachusetts has a strong network of early intervention, and tapping into this system early can help identify daycare settings equipped to provide the right support. Furthermore, local pediatricians with practices in Quincy, Wollaston, or North Quincy are often deeply familiar with the community's resources and can provide trusted recommendations based on their experiences with other families.
As you begin contacting daycares and preschools in Quincy, specific questions will help you gauge their experience and approach. Don't hesitate to ask about staff training in areas like speech, occupational, or physical therapy techniques, and their experience with your child's specific needs. Inquire about the child-to-staff ratio, as smaller groups are often essential for providing individualized attention. Observe how the environment is structured—are there quiet spaces for sensory breaks, and is the facility fully accessible? A truly inclusive program in Quincy will welcome collaboration, discussing how they can integrate therapies or goals from your child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) into their daily routine.
Remember to expand your search slightly beyond Quincy's borders to neighboring communities like Braintree, Weymouth, and Milton. Many excellent specialized programs serve the broader South Shore region and may be just a short drive away. Organizations such as the Arc of the South Shore, based in nearby Hingham, can be instrumental in connecting families with appropriate childcare and support services. While the perfect fit might require some travel, the peace of mind that comes with a truly supportive environment is invaluable.
Finally, trust your instincts as a parent. The right daycare in Quincy will make you feel like a partner. They will communicate openly, welcome your involvement, and view your child with the same warmth and potential that you do. This search, while demanding, is a profound act of advocacy. By seeking out these dedicated resources in our community, you are laying a foundation of care, understanding, and growth for your child right here in Quincy, MA.