The Best Daycare Centers in Sherborn, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sherborn. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sherborn
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Sherborn offers a comprehensive play-based learning curriculum that focuses on social, emotional, and academic development. Their F.L.E.X. Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) incorporates STEAM activities, language arts, and character development. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios to ensure personalized attention.
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KinderCare at Natick
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare Natick serves the Sherborn community with a research-based curriculum that focuses on early literacy, math, science, and social skills development. Their Early Foundations program includes Spanish language exposure, music activities, and hands-on learning experiences. The center features secure keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, and nutritionally balanced meals. Teachers receive ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certification. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups.
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The Children's Garden Early Learning Center
Independent
The Children's Garden in nearby Dover serves Sherborn families with a nature-inspired, Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to early childhood education. Their curriculum emphasizes outdoor exploration, project-based learning, and creative expression. The center features beautiful natural playgrounds, organic gardens, and light-filled classrooms designed to stimulate curiosity. All lead teachers hold bachelor's degrees in early childhood education, and the center maintains exceptionally low teacher-to-child ratios. The program includes daily music, art studio time, and extensive outdoor play regardless of weather conditions, fostering resilience and environmental awareness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sherborn, MA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Sherborn, MA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Sherborn, full-time daycare for an infant or toddler typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,400 per month, while preschool programs for children aged 3-5 can cost between $1,200 and $1,800 per month. These costs are influenced by factors like program hours, staff-to-child ratios, and curriculum. While Sherborn itself has limited public funding for childcare, Massachusetts state programs like the Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA) voucher, administered through the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), are available to eligible families based on income. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or flexible payment plans. It's also worth checking with your employer, as some companies in the MetroWest Boston area offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
How long are the waitlists for daycare centers and home-based providers in Sherborn, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants and toddlers, waitlists in Sherborn and the surrounding MetroWest towns can be significant. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. For home-based family childcare, availability can be more sporadic but also competitive. Parents are strongly advised to begin their search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during the first trimester of pregnancy for infant care. Many centers in the area have formal enrollment cycles for preschool, with applications opening in January for a September start. Proactively touring facilities and staying in regular contact with providers can improve your chances.
What are the licensing and safety regulations for childcare providers in Sherborn, and how can I verify a provider's compliance?
All childcare providers in Sherborn must be licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). The EEC sets strict standards for staff qualifications (including background checks and CPR/first-aid training), health and safety protocols, group sizes, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a provider's license status, view their compliance history, and read any inspection reports online through the EEC's public-facing "Search for Child Care" website. When touring a facility, don't hesitate to ask for their license number and their most recent EEC inspection report. Sherborn providers must also comply with local fire department and board of health regulations.
Are there part-time or flexible childcare options available in Sherborn for parents who don't need full-time care?
Yes, though less common than full-time programs, there are part-time and flexible options in and around Sherborn. Several local preschools offer half-day programs (e.g., 9 AM-12 PM) for children aged 2.9 years and older, which can be 2, 3, or 5 days a week. Some family childcare homes may offer more flexible schedules, including care for specific days or drop-in care, depending on availability. For school-age children, the Sherborn Extended Day Program provides before- and after-school care at the Pine Hill Elementary School. For more irregular needs, exploring nanny shares with other families in town or using reputable babysitting networks serving the Dover-Sherborn area can be a solution.
What is the difference between a daycare center and a licensed family childcare home in Sherborn, and how do I decide which is right for my child?
The main differences lie in setting, scale, and often, flexibility. Daycare centers in Sherborn (like those in nearby towns such as Dover or Natick) are typically larger facilities with multiple classrooms, more children, and a structured curriculum. They often have stricter hours (e.g., 7:30 AM-5:30 PM). Licensed Family Childcare Homes operate out of a provider's residence, offering a smaller, mixed-age group setting that can feel more like a family. They may offer more flexible hours and can be more accommodating for non-standard schedules. Your choice depends on your child's temperament, your schedule, and your priorities. A center might offer more peer interaction and specialized resources, while a home setting can provide a cozier, more consistent environment with a single caregiver. Touring both types is the best way to gauge the right fit.