The Best Daycare Centers in Scituate, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Scituate. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Scituate
Scituate Community Preschool & Childcare
Independent Non-Profit
Scituate Community Preschool & Childcare is a highly-regarded non-profit facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. The center features a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates Montessori and Reggio Emilia influences, focusing on social-emotional development and kindergarten readiness. Certified teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios, and the facility includes secure outdoor play spaces, modern learning materials, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the warm, nurturing environment and strong community involvement.
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The Children's Garden Early Learning Center
Independent
The Children's Garden Early Learning Center provides a nature-inspired educational environment with emphasis on hands-on learning and outdoor exploration. Their curriculum integrates STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts while maintaining strong focus on social skills and emotional intelligence. The center features certified early childhood educators, secure facilities with age-appropriate learning centers, and comprehensive safety protocols. The program is noted for its individualized attention and strong parent-teacher communication system.
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Bright Horizons at Hingham
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
As part of the nationally recognized Bright Horizons network, this Hingham location serves families throughout the South Shore including Scituate. The center offers a research-based World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on learning. Features include state-of-the-art security systems, degreed teachers, modern classroom environments, and extensive outdoor play areas. The program is particularly noted for its strong kindergarten preparation and flexible scheduling options that accommodate working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Scituate, MA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Scituate, MA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Scituate, the cost for full-time infant or toddler daycare typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,400 per month, depending on the type of center, its specific programs, and staff-to-child ratios. This is generally in line with the higher cost of living on the South Shore. For financial assistance, Massachusetts offers the state-subsidized Child Care Voucher Program (commonly called "child care financial assistance") through the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Eligibility is based on family income, size, and need (such as employment or education). Parents in Scituate can apply through the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for the region, which is Child Care Choices of Boston, serving the South Shore. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are the waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Scituate, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Scituate can be significant, especially for infant rooms (children under 15 months). It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. Given the high demand and limited number of centers in a smaller coastal town like Scituate, it is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move start their search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during the first trimester of pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before the desired start date. For preschool-age openings (2.9 years and up), waitlists tend to be shorter, but starting your search a year in advance is still a prudent strategy.
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available specifically in Scituate?
Scituate offers several types of EEC-licensed childcare options. These include: 1. **Center-Based Care:** These are larger facilities, often with multiple classrooms. Examples in Scituate include the Scituate Community Christmas Center and other private early learning centers. 2. **Family Child Care (FCC):** Licensed providers who care for a smaller group of children (up to 10, including their own) in their private home. This is a popular option in Scituate's residential neighborhoods and can offer a more home-like setting. 3. **Public Preschool:** The Scituate Public Schools district offers integrated preschool programs for children ages 3-5, which may include both typical peers and children with identified needs. These are typically part-day programs. 4. **School-Age Child Care (SACC):** For before- and after-school care, the Scituate Community Schools program offers services at the elementary schools for kindergarten through 5th grade.
Are there any unique considerations for childcare in Scituate related to its coastal location or community resources?
Yes, Scituate's coastal location and tight-knit community influence childcare in a few ways. First, some programs may incorporate nature and marine education into their curriculum, taking advantage of local beaches, harbors, and conservation land. Second, it's important to inquire about emergency and evacuation plans, especially for facilities in flood zones or near the coast. Reputable centers will have detailed plans for storms, power outages, and other weather-related events common to the South Shore. Third, the community is very active, so many childcare providers participate in or organize events around town traditions like the Heritage Days festival, parades, and library programs, which can be a great benefit for family engagement.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a daycare provider in Scituate?
All licensed childcare providers in Massachusetts are regulated by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Parents can and should verify a provider's status and review their history online through the EEC's **Licensing and Background Records Check (LBRC) portal**. This public search tool allows you to look up any licensed center or family child care home by name or location. The report will show the provider's current license status, capacity, any serious violations cited during inspections (non-compliance), and the dates of their last visits. This is a critical step in your research. You can also contact the EEC's regional office that oversees the South Shore for additional information or to ask specific questions about a provider's compliance history.
Nearby Cities
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