The Best Daycare Centers in Ashland, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ashland. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ashland
Ashland Elementary School Child Care Program
Ashland School District
This school-based childcare program operates within the Ashland Elementary School, providing seamless integration with the educational environment. The program focuses on age-appropriate developmental activities, homework assistance, and structured play. Staff are certified educators and childcare professionals with background checks and ongoing training. The facility utilizes the school's classrooms, playgrounds, and gymnasium, offering children a familiar, safe environment with access to educational resources. The program emphasizes social-emotional learning and follows state-approved curriculum standards for preschool components.
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Plymouth Children's Center
Independent Non-profit
Located just 10 minutes from Ashland in Plymouth, this highly-regarded non-profit center serves the entire Plymouth-Ashland region. The center features a comprehensive early childhood education program with developmentally appropriate curriculum that includes literacy, math, science, and creative arts. All lead teachers hold early childhood credentials and the center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. The facility includes secure access systems, age-specific playgrounds, and modern learning environments. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, nurturing environment, and educational quality.
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The Little School
Independent
Serving the Newfound Lake region including Ashland, The Little School offers a play-based, child-centered approach to early education. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, and social development in a warm, inclusive environment. Certified early childhood educators implement a curriculum that balances structured activities with child-directed play. The facility features natural playgrounds, bright classrooms, and extensive educational materials. The school maintains strong parent partnerships with regular communication and family involvement opportunities. Safety protocols include secure entry systems and comprehensive emergency procedures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ashland, NH
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Ashland, NH, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Ashland, all childcare providers caring for more than three unrelated children must be licensed by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Child Care Licensing Unit. This includes family childcare homes and center-based programs. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. To verify a facility's license status, you can use the official "Child Care Search" tool on the NH DHHS website. You can search by town (Ashland) and review any licensing history, including compliance reports. It's a critical first step for any parent to ensure the program operates legally and meets baseline safety standards.
What is the typical cost range for full-time infant and toddler daycare in Ashland, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Ashland area, full-time daycare for an infant (under 18 months) typically ranges from $1,100 to $1,400 per month, while toddler care (18 months to 3 years) often costs between $950 and $1,250 per month. These rates can vary based on the type of program (center vs. home-based), specific amenities, and hours of operation. For financial assistance, New Hampshire's Child Care Scholarship Program (CCSP) is the primary resource for eligible families, based on income and need. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's advisable to contact the Family Support Center for the Lakes Region, which serves the Ashland area, for guidance on applying for aid and navigating local options.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in Ashland, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Due to high demand and limited supply in a smaller community like Ashland, waitlists for infant and toddler spots at licensed centers can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. For popular programs, it's not uncommon for parents to get on a waitlist during pregnancy. We recommend starting your search and making inquiries at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, ask detailed questions about their list process (e.g., Is there a fee? How often is it updated?), and consider both center-based and licensed family childcare homes to increase your chances of securing a spot.
Are there any unique childcare options in Ashland that incorporate the local outdoor or community environment?
Yes, Ashland's location in the Lakes Region and near the White Mountains inspires several childcare programs with a strong emphasis on nature-based learning. Some local providers, including certain family childcare homes and preschool programs, prioritize outdoor play and exploration in all weather, utilizing local trails, parks, and natural spaces. Additionally, some programs may integrate community elements, such as visits to the Ashland Town Library for storytime or walks to local businesses as part of learning about the community. When touring facilities, ask about their daily outdoor time, philosophy on nature play, and any regular community outings to find a program that aligns with this valuable local characteristic.
What should I look for when touring a family childcare home versus a daycare center in Ashland?
The choice between a licensed family childcare home (in a provider's residence) and a center-based program in Ashland involves different considerations. For a family home, look for a safe, child-proofed environment that feels warm and homelike. Inquire about the provider's experience, backup plans for their own illness, and the mixed-age group dynamic. For a center, assess the facility's organization, the qualifications of multiple staff members, and the structured curriculum. In both cases, verify their NH license, ask for references from current parents, and confirm their emergency procedures and sick policies. Given Ashland's more rural setting, also ask about their plan for weather-related closures or delays and their outdoor play space. Trusting your gut feeling about the caregiver's interaction with children is paramount in either setting.