The Best Daycare Centers in Taunton, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Taunton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Taunton
Bright Horizons at Taunton
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Taunton offers a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on school readiness and social-emotional development. The center features World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizing literacy, math, science, and creative arts. Highly qualified teachers hold early childhood education degrees and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor play areas. Parents appreciate the strong communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and follows rigorous health and safety protocols.
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The Learning Experience - Taunton
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Taunton provides a proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum that combines academic preparation with character development. The center features phonics-based reading programs, early math concepts, and foreign language exposure. Certified early childhood educators create engaging learning environments with modern technology integration. Safety features include secured entry, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness training. The facility offers spacious classrooms, indoor gym, and age-specific playgrounds. Parents consistently praise the center's structured learning approach and nurturing atmosphere that promotes both academic growth and social skills.
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Little People's College - Raynham
Little People's College
Little People's College in nearby Raynham serves the greater Taunton area with a play-based learning approach that emphasizes child-directed exploration. The center implements Creative Curriculum with focus on literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. Highly qualified teaching staff maintain low child-to-teacher ratios and participate in continuous professional development. The facility includes modern security systems, nutritious meal programs, and extensive outdoor learning environments. The center is noted for its inclusive atmosphere and strong parent partnerships, with many families commuting from Taunton for the high-quality early childhood education programs and experienced teaching team.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Taunton, MA
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Taunton, MA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Taunton, the average cost for full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,200 to $1,600 per month. Home-based family childcare is often more affordable, averaging $900 to $1,300 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like the program's curriculum, staff-to-child ratios, and facility amenities. For financial assistance, Massachusetts offers the state-subsidized Child Care Voucher Program (commonly called "vouchers" or "financial assistance") through the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Eligibility is based on family income, size, and need (like work or school schedules). Parents in Taunton can apply through the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for the region, which is Child Care Choices of Boston, serving the Greater Taunton area. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or scholarships.
How long are typical waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Taunton, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists in Taunton can vary significantly but are common for infants and toddlers at highly-rated centers. For popular programs, especially those affiliated with employers, accredited centers, or with specific educational philosophies (like Montessori), waitlists can be 6 to 12 months long, or even longer for infant spots. For preschool-age children (3-5 years), waitlists tend to be shorter, often 3-6 months. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents or those planning a return to work begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy. A good strategy is to tour and apply to multiple options. You can check current capacity and sometimes waitlist status for licensed providers using the Massachusetts EEC's online search tool. Being flexible with your start date can also improve your chances of securing a spot sooner.
What are the key differences between a licensed daycare center and a licensed family childcare home in Taunton, and how do I verify a provider's license?
In Taunton, licensed daycare centers are facilities in commercial or institutional buildings caring for larger groups of children, divided by age. They often have multiple staff, structured curricula, and may offer extended hours. Licensed family childcare (FCC) homes are operated out of the provider's residence, offering a smaller, home-like setting with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. FCCs typically have more flexible hours but may have more limited enrollment (up to 10 children, including the provider's own). Both are regulated by the Massachusetts EEC, but centers generally have stricter staff qualification requirements. To verify a provider's license, status, and any history of violations, you must use the official **EEC Licensed Child Care Search** website. This public portal shows the license type, capacity, any enforcement actions, and the program's last inspection report—a crucial step for any parent.
Are there any unique local resources or organizations in Taunton that help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, Taunton parents have access to several key local resources. The primary referral service is **Child Care Choices of Boston**, which is the contracted CCR&R agency for the Southeast region, including Taunton. They offer free, personalized referrals, help understanding subsidies, and guidance on quality indicators. Locally, the **Taunton Public Schools** system may offer information on public preschool programs (like the Taunton Integrated Preschool) for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds. The **Bristol County Children's Advocacy Center** and the **Taunton Public Library** often host parenting workshops and may have community bulletin boards with provider information. For evaluations, beyond the EEC license search, parents can look for programs accredited by national bodies like NAEYC or participating in Massachusetts' **Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)**, which rates programs from Level 1 to Level 5.
What are the state-mandated staff-to-child ratios for daycare in Massachusetts, and how do they impact care in Taunton programs?
Massachusetts has some of the most stringent staff-to-child ratios in the country, which directly impacts the quality and safety of care in Taunton programs. The key ratios are: **Infants (0-15 months)** is 1 staff to 3 infants (1:3) or 2:7 in a group; **Toddlers (15-33 months)** is 1:4 or 2:9; **Preschool (2.9-5 years)** is 1:10. These ratios are maximums; many high-quality programs in Taunton operate with even lower ratios. This means your child will receive more individual attention, but it also contributes to higher operating costs and, consequently, tuition. When touring facilities, always ask about their typical ratios, as a program operating at the legal maximum may feel more crowded. These regulations are enforced by the EEC through unannounced inspections, and compliance is a strong indicator of a program's commitment to safety and developmentally appropriate care.
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