The Best Daycare Centers in Amherst, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Amherst. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Amherst
The Learning Experience - Amherst
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Amherst offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum that focuses on both academic and social development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and surveillance cameras. Highly qualified teachers hold early childhood education credentials and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility includes modern classrooms, indoor gymnasium, and safe outdoor playgrounds. Their programs emphasize phonics, foreign language exposure, manners and etiquette, and philanthropy through their "Giving Back" initiative. Parents praise the consistent communication through daily reports and the center's clean, organized environment.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Amherst
KinderCare Education
Located just minutes from Amherst in Hudson, this KinderCare center serves families throughout the Amherst area with a research-based curriculum that aligns with New Hampshire early learning standards. The center features dedicated learning centers for literacy, math, science, and creative arts. Safety protocols include secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive staff background checks. Experienced teachers develop individualized learning plans and provide regular progress updates. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, nutritious meal programs, and enrichment activities including music and movement. Parents consistently note the warm, nurturing environment and the center's strong focus on school readiness.
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Milford Children's Center
Independent
Serving Amherst and surrounding communities, Milford Children's Center is a highly-regarded independent childcare facility known for its play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. The center employs experienced early childhood educators who create engaging, hands-on learning experiences in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. Safety is prioritized with secure access controls, comprehensive health protocols, and well-maintained facilities. The curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development, problem-solving skills, and creative expression. Parents consistently praise the center's family-like atmosphere, experienced staff longevity, and excellent communication about children's daily activities and developmental progress. The center maintains strong community connections and offers flexible scheduling options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Amherst, NH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Amherst, NH, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Amherst, NH, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the child's age and the type of facility. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers, costs typically range from $1,200 to $1,500 per month. Home-based family childcare programs are often slightly less expensive, ranging from $900 to $1,300 monthly. These rates are influenced by Amherst's location within the higher-cost Southern New Hampshire region. For financial assistance, New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) administers the Child Care Scholarship Program for income-eligible families. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's highly recommended to contact the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Southern NH** for the most current information on costs and assistance options.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in Amherst, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for daycare centers in Amherst, particularly for infant care, can be quite long, often ranging from 6 to 18 months. This is due to high demand and strict state-mandated staff-to-child ratios for younger children. To improve your chances of securing a spot, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Apply to multiple centers—including both centers in Amherst and neighboring towns like Milford, Merrimack, or Bedford—and get on their waitlists. Be proactive: follow up with centers every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Also, consider licensed family childcare homes, which may have shorter waitlists and offer a more intimate setting. Many parents in Amherst find that flexibility in start dates can also help move them up a list.
What are the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a licensed family childcare home in New Hampshire, and how do I verify a provider's license?
In New Hampshire, licensed childcare centers are facilities in commercial buildings that care for larger groups of children with multiple staff members. They often have structured curricula and multiple classrooms. Licensed family childcare homes operate out of the provider's residence and care for a smaller, mixed-age group of up to 6 children (or 10 with an assistant), offering a more home-like environment. Both are regulated by the NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Child Care Licensing Unit, but they have different rules for group sizes, staff qualifications, and physical environment. To verify a provider's license, compliance history, and any complaint investigations, you must use the official **NH Child Care Licensing Public Search Portal** online. This tool is crucial for parents in Amherst to ensure they are choosing a legally operating and monitored program.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available in the Amherst area?
Yes, Amherst and the surrounding Southern NH region offer several childcare options that emphasize outdoor and nature-based learning, aligning with New Hampshire's natural landscape. While specific dedicated "forest schools" are more common in the northern parts of the state, many local centers in Amherst incorporate significant outdoor time into their daily routines, utilizing playgrounds and natural spaces. For a more immersive experience, you may find programs in nearby towns like Peterborough or Hollis. Additionally, the **Amherst Town Recreation Department** often runs seasonal outdoor preschool programs or nature camps that can supplement traditional childcare. When touring facilities, ask specifically about their outdoor philosophy, daily schedule for outside play (in all weather), and if they have features like gardens, trails, or natural play elements.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in Amherst, and what local-specific questions should I ask?
During an in-person tour in Amherst, observe the cleanliness, safety, and how staff interact with children—are they engaged and responsive? Check for secure entrances and age-appropriate playground equipment. Given New Hampshire's seasons, ask about their policies for outdoor play in winter snow and summer heat. Ask local-specific questions such as: "How do you handle emergency situations like power outages or severe storms common in New England?" "What is your policy for delayed openings or closures due to snow, and how is communication handled?" "Are meals provided, and if so, do they accommodate common allergies?" Also, inquire about their license status and staff turnover rates—low turnover often indicates a positive work environment, which benefits your child. Finally, ask for references from current Amherst-area parents to get firsthand feedback on their experience.