The Best Daycare Centers in Swampscott, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Swampscott. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Swampscott
The Goddard School of Swampscott
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Swampscott offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and creative arts with dedicated learning spaces. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure entry systems, and daily communication with parents through their proprietary mobile app. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds and emphasizes play-based learning with structured academic preparation.
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Building Blocks Learning Center
Independent
Building Blocks Learning Center provides a nurturing environment with a play-based curriculum that incorporates elements of Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches. The center focuses on social-emotional development through structured activities and free play. Features include low teacher-to-child ratios, experienced early childhood educators, nutritious meal programs, and secure facilities with camera monitoring. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science exploration, and creative expression through dedicated learning centers in each classroom.
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Little Sprouts Early Education Center - Lynn
Little Sprouts, LLC
Located just minutes from Swampscott in Lynn, Little Sprouts offers a research-based curriculum called "Brain-Based Learning" that supports cognitive, social, and emotional development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, nutritious chef-prepared meals, and highly qualified teaching staff with ongoing professional development. Their approach includes project-based learning, STEAM activities, and outdoor education. The facility includes modern classrooms, dedicated art studios, and natural outdoor play spaces designed to encourage exploration and discovery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Swampscott, MA
What are the typical costs for infant and toddler daycare in Swampscott, MA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Swampscott, the cost of full-time daycare is generally higher than the Massachusetts state average due to its coastal location and demand. For infants (under 15 months), you can expect to pay between $2,200 to $2,800 per month. For toddlers (15 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,900 to $2,500 per month. These rates are for licensed centers; home-based family childcare may be slightly less. For financial assistance, Massachusetts offers the Child Care Voucher Program (also known as subsidized childcare) through the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Eligibility is based on family income, size, and need (like work or school schedules). You can apply through the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for the North Shore region, which serves Swampscott. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in Swampscott, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Waitlists for high-quality, licensed daycare centers and preschools in Swampscott can be notoriously long, especially for infant rooms which have strict staff-to-child ratios. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. To secure a spot, 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, and at least 9-12 months in advance for toddler or preschool openings. Many centers have annual enrollment cycles for preschool, with registration opening in January or February for the following September. Be proactive: tour multiple facilities, get on multiple lists (even if there's a small fee), and follow up periodically to express continued interest.
What are the licensing requirements and how can I verify a daycare's compliance record in Massachusetts?
All childcare providers in Swampscott must be licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). The EEC sets rigorous standards for health and safety, staff qualifications (including background checks and training), staff-to-child ratios, group sizes, curriculum, and physical environment. You can easily verify a provider's license and review their compliance history online through the EEC's **Licensing Consumer Search** tool. This public database shows the license status, capacity, any serious violations (non-compliance), and findings from their regular inspections. It is a crucial step in your research. When touring a facility, don't hesitate to ask the director to see their current license and their most recent EEC inspection report, which they are required to post.
Are there specific daycare or preschool programs in Swampscott that offer unique educational approaches or focus on outdoor learning?
Yes, Swampscott offers a variety of program philosophies. In addition to traditional play-based and academic-focused preschools, you can find centers that embrace specific approaches like Montessori or Reggio Emilia-inspired curricula. Given Swampscott's beautiful coastal environment, several programs strongly emphasize outdoor and nature-based learning. Some centers utilize their playgrounds for daily exploration and may incorporate walks to local landmarks like Swampscott Beach, the Rail Trail, or Phillips Park. There are also programs that integrate marine science or environmental awareness into their curriculum, taking advantage of the town's seaside location. When researching, ask specifically about their daily outdoor time, philosophy on risky play, and how they utilize the local community and environment in their learning activities.
What options exist for backup or emergency childcare in the Swampscott area if my regular provider is closed or my child is mildly ill?
Finding backup care in Swampscott can be challenging but there are a few local and regional options. Some local licensed family childcare homes may offer occasional drop-in care if they have space, but this is not common at larger centers. A more reliable option is to use a registered backup care service. Several regional agencies, such as those based in nearby Boston or on the North Shore, offer in-home or center-based backup care for sick children (with non-contagious illnesses) or when your primary daycare is closed. Additionally, you can explore networks like **Care.com** and filter for providers in Swampscott who offer occasional care. It's wise to establish a relationship with a backup sitter or small home-based provider before an emergency arises. Some employers also offer backup care benefits through programs like Bright Horizons or Care.com, so check with your HR department.