The Best Daycare Centers in Swansea, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Swansea. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Swansea
The Learning Experience - Somerset
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in nearby Somerset serves Swansea families with a comprehensive early childhood education program featuring their proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum. The center focuses on academic, physical, and social development through structured learning activities, music, and movement. Features include state-of-the-art security systems, certified early childhood educators, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their programs include phonics, foreign language exposure, and character development. The facility maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and offers nutritious meal programs in a clean, safe environment that emphasizes both learning and play.
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Kiddie Academy of Fall River
Kiddie Academy
Kiddie Academy of Fall River provides educational childcare serving Swansea residents with their Life Essentials curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The academy features degreed teachers, secure entry systems, and modern facilities with dedicated learning centers. Their approach emphasizes STEM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills through hands-on activities. The center maintains high safety standards with comprehensive background checks for staff, regular safety drills, and strict health protocols. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular progress updates through their mobile app.
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Little People's College - Fall River
Little People's College
Little People's College in Fall River has served Swansea families for nearly two decades with their developmentally appropriate curriculum that combines play-based learning with structured academic preparation. The center features experienced early childhood educators, many with advanced degrees, and maintains small class sizes with optimal teacher-to-child ratios. Their comprehensive program includes literacy development, mathematics readiness, science exploration, and creative arts. The facility includes secure playgrounds, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated infant care areas. They emphasize parent partnerships through regular conferences and detailed progress tracking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Swansea, MA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Swansea, MA, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Swansea, as in all of Massachusetts, childcare programs must be licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care (EECC). This includes family childcare homes (in a provider's residence) and center-based programs. The EECC sets strict standards for staff qualifications (including background checks, First Aid/CPR certification, and professional development), child-to-staff ratios, health and safety protocols, and curriculum. To verify a provider's license, you can use the EECC's online search tool called the "Licensed Child Care Search." Simply enter "Swansea" to see a list of all licensed providers in town, along with their license status, capacity, and any recent inspection reports or compliance history. Always choose a licensed provider to ensure your child's safety and a quality learning environment.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Swansea, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
The cost of childcare in Swansea is generally in line with the Massachusetts average, which is among the highest in the nation. For full-time infant care, you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800 per month at a licensed center. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. Family childcare homes may be slightly less expensive. To help with these costs, Massachusetts offers financial assistance through the Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA) program, administered by the EECC. Eligibility is based on family income, size, and need (such as employment or education). Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts. We recommend contacting the Swansea Human Services department or the Child Care Circuit resource and referral agency for personalized guidance on applying for aid.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Swansea, and when should I start my search?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists at popular daycare centers in Swansea can be significant. It is not uncommon for families to be on a waitlist for 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for coveted infant spots. We strongly advise parents to begin their search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. When contacting centers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and policy (e.g., if a deposit is required to hold a spot). Exploring multiple options, including licensed family childcare homes which may have shorter wait times, is a prudent strategy to secure care.
Are there any unique childcare options or programs in Swansea that cater to specific needs, such as extended hours, drop-in care, or programs for children with disabilities?
While most traditional daycare centers in Swansea operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm schedule, options for non-traditional hours are limited. There are currently no dedicated 24-hour or late-night centers in town. For drop-in or occasional care, your best bet is to inquire with local family childcare providers who may offer more flexible arrangements. For children with disabilities, all licensed providers are required by law to make reasonable accommodations. However, for specialized integrated programs, you may need to look at centers in nearby Fall River or Providence that have dedicated resources. The Swansea Public Schools' Early Childhood program also provides services for preschoolers with identified special needs. Connecting with the "Swansea Moms" Facebook group can be a great way to get personal recommendations for flexible or specialized care.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in Swansea?
An in-person tour is crucial. Beyond the general cleanliness and safety, ask Swansea-specific and detailed questions. Observe the staff-to-child interactions—are they engaged and responsive? Check for secure entrances and fenced outdoor play areas. Inquire about their emergency preparedness plans, especially for weather events common to Southeastern Massachusetts. Ask about their curriculum and how it aligns with the Massachusetts Early Learning Guidelines. Don't forget practicalities: What is their policy for sick children? Do they provide meals, or do you need to pack a lunch? How do they handle communication with parents (many use apps like Brightwheel or Tadpoles)? Finally, trust your instincts about the overall atmosphere and ask for references from current Swansea parents. Visiting at different times of day can also give you a fuller picture of the program's routine.
Childcare Insights for Swansea
As the school year winds down, many parents in Swansea find themselves facing the annual question: what are the best options for summer childcare near me? The search for reliable, engaging, and safe care during the summer months is a priority for local families, and fortunately, the Swansea community offers several wonderful avenues to explore. The key is to start your planning early, as popular programs in our area can fill up quickly once the warm weather arrives.
One of the first places many Swansea parents look is to the town's own recreational programs. The Swansea Parks and Recreation Department typically offers summer camps and activities that provide structured fun, often incorporating the town's excellent facilities like the playgrounds at the Town Beach or fields at the elementary schools. These programs are fantastic for fostering a sense of community among local children and are usually very affordable for residents. It’s worth checking their website or visiting the Town Hall for a brochure as soon as it’s available, often in early spring. Another local cornerstone is the Swansea Public Library, which runs a summer reading program and various weekly events. While not full-day care, these free activities are perfect for supplementing your schedule and keeping young minds active.
For more comprehensive, all-day childcare, many families turn to local daycare centers and family childcare providers that offer extended summer programs. Several established centers in and around Swansea transition to a summer camp model, blending traditional childcare reliability with themed weeks, outdoor water play, and field trips. When calling these providers, ask specific questions about their summer curriculum, the ratio of staff to children, and their policies on sunscreen application and hydration during hot days—practical concerns for any Massachusetts summer. Don’t forget to explore options in neighboring towns like Somerset or Seekonk, which may be just a short drive away and expand your choices significantly.
A particularly valuable resource for Swansea parents is connecting with other families through community networks, whether it’s the Swansea Moms Facebook group or talking to other parents at your child’s school. Often, the best recommendations for a trusted babysitter or a small, in-home summer camp come through word-of-mouth. You might discover a local college student home for the summer who is looking for nanny work or a group of families organizing a shared childcare co-op. Finally, remember to consider the logistics of a Swansea summer. If your schedule is flexible, you might piece together a combination of a few weeks of town camp, a couple of specialty sports or art camps, and some family time at the Swansea Town Beach. The goal is to find a balance that provides your children with enriching experiences and gives you peace of mind, all within the fabric of our friendly South Coast community.