The Best Daycare Centers in Reading, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Reading. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Reading
Bright Horizons at Reading
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Reading offers a comprehensive early education program with research-based curriculum focusing on STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional growth. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facility access with comprehensive safety protocols. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, outdoor play spaces, and individualized development tracking. The center provides nutritious meals and maintains strong parent communication through daily updates and regular conferences.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Reading
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Reading provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. The school features state-certified teachers, modern security systems including keypad entry and surveillance, and purpose-built classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers. Their curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, creative arts, and technology integration. The facility offers spacious outdoor playgrounds, enrichment programs in yoga and music, and maintains excellent health and safety standards with regular sanitation protocols.
Daycare Services:
Reading Children's Center
Reading Children's Center, Inc.
Reading Children's Center is a locally-owned, NAEYC-accredited facility offering a balanced curriculum that combines structured learning with child-directed exploration. The center emphasizes social-emotional development through the Responsive Classroom approach and incorporates Reggio Emilia-inspired project work. Features include degreed early childhood educators, small class sizes, secure building access, and comprehensive emergency preparedness plans. The program includes outdoor nature exploration, music and movement activities, and strong community partnerships. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular events, portfolio documentation, and transparent communication systems.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Reading, MA
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Reading, MA, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Reading, MA, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,400 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,600 to $2,100 per month. These rates reflect the high quality and demand for childcare in the Greater Boston area. For financial assistance, Massachusetts offers the Income Eligible Child Care (IEEC) voucher program through the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Additionally, the Reading-based Community Partnership for Children (CPC), which serves the Reading, North Reading, and Wilmington region, can help connect eligible families with subsidized care options and provide guidance on applying for state aid. It's also worth checking if your employer offers a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
How long are typical waitlists for licensed daycare centers and preschools in Reading, and when should I start my search?
Waitlists in Reading can be significant, especially for infant spots in highly-regarded centers. It's not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, and some popular preschools for 3-5 year olds may have waitlists extending a full year or more. We strongly recommend starting your search as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy for infant care, and at least 12-18 months before your desired start date for preschool. Many Reading parents tour facilities and get on multiple lists early. Be proactive, follow up periodically, and consider a mix of center-based and licensed family childcare homes to increase your options.
What are the key differences between a licensed family childcare home and a daycare center in Reading, and how do I verify their licensing?
In Reading, licensed Family Child Care (FCC) homes operate out of a provider's residence and are licensed for a smaller group of children (usually up to 10, including the provider's own), offering a home-like environment with mixed-age groups. Daycare centers are larger facilities with separate classrooms grouped by age and more staff. Both are licensed and regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). To verify the license and review any history of violations or compliance reports, you can use the EEC's online **Licensing Child Care Search** tool. This public portal provides inspection reports, capacity, and credential information for all licensed providers in Reading.
Are there any unique or highly-regarded early education programs or philosophies offered by daycares in Reading?
Yes, Reading offers a variety of program philosophies. You can find centers that follow the play-based, child-led **Reggio Emilia approach**, which emphasizes project-based learning and environment as the "third teacher." There are also programs incorporating **Montessori** principles, focusing on independent learning within a prepared environment. Furthermore, several centers integrate **Nature-Based** or outdoor learning, taking advantage of local spaces like the Reading Town Forest or their own outdoor classrooms. The **Reading Public Schools** also offer integrated preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds, which include peer models and children with special needs, following a structured early childhood curriculum.
What local resources in Reading can help me evaluate and choose a quality childcare provider?
Your primary local resource is the **Community Partnership for Children (CPC) for Reading, North Reading, and Wilmington**. They offer free, personalized referral services, can explain quality indicators, and provide checklists for tours. You should also consult the **Massachusetts EEC Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)**, which rates programs from Level 1 to Level 5. A higher QRIS level indicates a commitment to exceeding minimum standards. Additionally, connect with other parents through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Reading, MA Moms") or community boards for firsthand recommendations. Finally, always schedule in-person tours to observe the environment, ask about staff qualifications and turnover, and understand their daily routines and safety protocols.