The Best Daycare Centers in Windsor, MA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Windsor. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Windsor
The Goddard School of West Springfield
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in West Springfield offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development with low student-to-teacher ratios. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and regular parent communication through daily reports and digital portfolios.
Daycare Services:
Small Wonders Child Care & Learning Center
Independent
Small Wonders provides a nurturing environment with a play-based curriculum that incorporates Montessori and Reggio Emilia influences. The center focuses on whole-child development through hands-on learning experiences, creative arts, and outdoor exploration. Safety features include secured access, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The teaching team includes certified early childhood educators with an average of 8+ years experience. The center offers organic meal options and maintains small class sizes to ensure personalized attention for each child's developmental needs.
Daycare Services:
Cadence Academy Preschool of East Longmeadow
Cadence Education
Cadence Academy features a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy development, mathematical thinking, and scientific exploration. Their proprietary Ascend Curriculum includes Spanish language exposure, music enrichment, and character education. The facility includes state-of-the-art security systems, dedicated age-specific playgrounds, and bright, stimulating classrooms. Teachers participate in continuous training and maintain CPR/First Aid certification. The center is noted for its strong parent partnership program, including regular progress updates, parent-teacher conferences, and family engagement events.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Windsor, MA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Windsor, MA, and how can I verify a provider is licensed?
In Windsor and throughout Massachusetts, all 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. Licensing ensures providers meet strict standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and curriculum. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the EECC's online search tool called the "Licensed Child Care Search." Simply enter the program's name or location. It's crucial to only consider licensed providers, as this is your primary assurance of regulated care and safety standards in Windsor.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers and preschools in the Windsor, MA area, and when should I start looking?
Due to the rural nature of Windsor and limited local options, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant and toddler care. It is not uncommon for families to be on a waitlist for 6 to 12 months, or even longer for highly sought-after programs. Many parents in the Berkshires region begin their search during pregnancy. We recommend contacting providers as early as possible, ideally 9-12 months before your desired start date. Be prepared to place deposits on multiple waitlists. Exploring family childcare homes in neighboring towns like Dalton or Hinsdale may offer more immediate availability.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in Windsor, MA?
Childcare costs in Windsor are generally aligned with the Berkshire County average, though specific rates vary by provider type. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $225 and $275 per week for full-time infant care. Center-based care is less common directly in Windsor but available in nearby larger towns; it typically ranges from $300 to $375 per week. It's important to note that Massachusetts offers financial assistance programs like the Income Eligible Voucher and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to help offset these costs. Always inquire directly with providers for their current rates.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs available to help Windsor residents afford childcare?
Yes, Massachusetts offers several subsidy programs. The primary one is the Income Eligible Child Care Financial Assistance (voucher) program administered by the EECC. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and need (such as employment or education). Windsor residents apply through the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for their region, which is **Pathlight** (formerly Berkshire County Kids' Place). They can help determine your eligibility and guide you through the application. Additionally, all Massachusetts families may benefit from the state's Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, which was recently expanded to be more generous.
What types of childcare are most commonly available in a small town like Windsor, and how do I find them?
Given Windsor's small, rural population, the most common type of licensed childcare is the Family Child Care (FCC) home, where a provider cares for a small group of children in their own residence. There are very few, if any, large daycare centers within the town limits itself. To find options, start with the state's **Licensed Child Care Search** and filter for Windsor (01093) and surrounding zip codes. Networking through local community boards, the Windsor Town Hall, or Facebook groups for Berkshire County parents is also invaluable. Many families in the area also utilize programs in nearby towns such as Pittsfield, Dalton, or North Adams, which may offer center-based preschools and daycares with transportation considerations.