The Best Daycare Centers in Rowley, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Rowley. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Rowley
Ipswich Co-operative Nursery School
Ipswich Co-operative Nursery School
This highly-regarded cooperative preschool serves families throughout the North Shore region including Rowley. The school emphasizes play-based learning with a strong focus on social-emotional development and hands-on exploration. Their experienced educators hold early childhood degrees and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The cooperative model encourages strong parent involvement and community building. The curriculum includes nature exploration, creative arts, literacy development, and STEM activities. Facilities feature bright classrooms, extensive outdoor play spaces, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. Their Nature Explore Certified outdoor classroom provides exceptional environmental education opportunities.
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Newburyport Montessori School
Newburyport Montessori School
Serving families from Rowley and surrounding communities, this AMI-recognized Montessori school offers authentic Montessori education from infancy through kindergarten. The school features specially trained Montessori guides with advanced certifications in early childhood education. Classrooms are carefully prepared environments with genuine Montessori materials that promote independence, concentration, and natural development. The curriculum emphasizes practical life skills, sensorial development, language acquisition, mathematics, and cultural studies. Safety protocols include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and rigorous health and cleanliness standards. The school maintains strong parent partnerships through regular communication and educational workshops.
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The Community House - Early Childhood Center
The Community House
This NAEYC-accredited center serves the greater Rowley area with comprehensive early childhood programs. The center employs degreed early childhood educators who implement a research-based curriculum focused on whole-child development. Their approach balances structured learning with child-directed play, incorporating literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, secure outdoor playgrounds, and a commercial kitchen providing nutritious meals. The center emphasizes social-emotional learning through the Conscious Discipline framework and maintains excellent staff retention rates. Additional services include enrichment programs, parent education, and flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Rowley, MA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Rowley, MA?
In Rowley and the surrounding North Shore area, daycare costs are generally in line with the higher-than-average rates for Massachusetts. For full-time infant care (under 15 months), you can expect to pay between $1,800 and $2,300 per month. For toddlers (15 months to 3 years), rates typically range from $1,600 to $2,000 per month. These costs reflect the state's strict staff-to-child ratios and high licensing standards. Prices can vary based on the type of program (center-based vs. in-home family daycare), specific amenities, and whether meals are provided. It's advisable to budget for this range and inquire about any potential additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pick-up.
How do I find licensed and reputable childcare providers in Rowley?
The best starting point is the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) online search tool, which lists all licensed providers. You can filter by town (Rowley), age of child, and type of care (family childcare home or center). For local insights, the "Rowley MA Community" Facebook page or other North Shore parenting groups are valuable resources for personal recommendations. Additionally, you can contact the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) program for the North Shore region, which is funded by the EEC and offers free referrals and support. Always verify a provider's license status directly with the EEC and schedule in-person tours to assess the environment.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Rowley, and how far in advance should I apply?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots in Rowley and the broader North Shore due to high demand and limited capacity, especially at highly-rated centers. For infant care, it is strongly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy or 6-9 months before your needed start date. For toddler and preschool slots, applying 3-6 months in advance is prudent. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, ask about their specific waitlist policies (e.g., if they charge a fee to hold a spot), and follow up periodically to express your continued interest.
What are the options for part-time or flexible childcare schedules in Rowley?
While full-time care is most common, some flexibility exists. Several licensed family childcare homes in Rowley may offer part-time, drop-in, or flexible schedules to accommodate parents with non-traditional work hours or part-time jobs. Center-based programs are less likely to offer part-time infant/toddler care but may have more options for preschoolers. Another local option is to explore nanny shares with other families in Rowley or nearby towns like Ipswich or Newburyport, which can offer more customized schedules. Be sure to clearly communicate your scheduling needs during initial inquiries, as availability for part-time care is limited and highly variable.
What state regulations and safety standards should I specifically ask about when touring a daycare in Rowley?
All licensed providers in Rowley must adhere to Massachusetts EEC regulations. Key standards to inquire about include: **Staff-to-Child Ratios** (e.g., 1:3 for infants, 1:4 for toddlers), **Staff Qualifications** (lead teachers must have specific training and credentials), and **Background Checks** (CORI and SORI checks for all staff). You should also ask about their **emergency preparedness plans** for events like fires or lockdowns, their **illness and medication policies**, and their **procedures for safe sleep** for infants (following AAP guidelines). Don't hesitate to ask to see the provider's most recent EEC licensing report, which details any compliance findings.