The Best Daycare Centers in Bennington, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bennington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bennington
Bennington Children's Center
Independent
Bennington Children's Center is a highly-regarded local facility offering comprehensive childcare services from infancy through school age. The center features a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates elements of the Creative Curriculum, focusing on social-emotional development, cognitive skills, and physical growth. Their experienced teaching staff maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios, with lead teachers holding early childhood education credentials. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and emphasizes nature-based learning activities. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, strong communication, and the center's integration with the local community through partnerships with Bennington Elementary School.
Daycare Services:
Antrim Preschool
Independent
Located just 10 minutes from Bennington, Antrim Preschool serves families throughout the Contoocook Valley region with a well-established early childhood program. The center employs a balanced approach combining structured academic preparation with developmental play. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy development, mathematics readiness, and social skills through hands-on learning centers and small group instruction. Certified early childhood educators lead classrooms with low student-teacher ratios, and the program maintains NAEYC-aligned standards. The facility features bright, well-equipped classrooms, a dedicated art studio, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The program is particularly noted for its strong kindergarten transition support and inclusive community atmosphere.
Daycare Services:
Monadnock Children's Academy
Regional Childcare Network
Serving families throughout the Monadnock region including Bennington, Monadnock Children's Academy offers a comprehensive educational childcare program with a focus on school readiness. The center implements a research-based curriculum that integrates STEM activities, literacy development, and character education. Their secure facility features age-separated learning environments, indoor gross motor spaces, and nature-inspired outdoor playgrounds. The teaching staff includes certified early childhood professionals with ongoing professional development requirements. The academy maintains rigorous safety protocols including secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. Parent communication includes daily digital reports and regular parent-teacher conferences, with many families noting the center's excellent preparation for elementary school.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bennington, NH
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Bennington, NH, and how do I find them?
In Bennington, NH, licensed childcare options primarily include licensed family childcare homes (operated in a provider's residence) and licensed childcare centers. Due to Bennington's small-town setting, family childcare homes are a common and popular choice, offering a home-like environment with smaller group sizes. To find licensed providers, your best resource is the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Child Care Licensing Unit. You can search their online database for licensed providers by town. Additionally, local resources like the Monadnock United Way's 2-1-1 helpline or the "Monadnock Region Child Care" Facebook group are valuable for connecting with local parents and discovering both licensed and license-exempt options.
What is the typical cost range for full-time infant and toddler care in Bennington, and are there financial assistance programs?
In the Bennington and broader Monadnock region, full-time childcare for infants and toddlers typically ranges from $225 to $350 per week. Infant care is often at the higher end of this range due to required lower staff-to-child ratios. Costs can vary based on the program type, with centers generally being more expensive than family childcare homes. For financial assistance, New Hampshire's Child Care Scholarship Program (CCSP) is the primary resource for eligible families, based on income and work/training requirements. You apply through the NH DHHS. Locally, some providers may offer sliding scale fees, and organizations like the Monadnock United Way occasionally have grants or support programs. It's crucial to inquire about both state and potential local assistance when contacting providers.
How long are waitlists for daycare in Bennington, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Waitlists for quality, licensed childcare in Bennington and the surrounding towns can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 18 months, especially for infant spots which are the most limited. It is highly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move to the area begin their search as early as possible—ideally during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. Contact providers directly to inquire about their specific waitlist procedures, which may include a non-refundable fee to hold your place. Being flexible with your start date and considering providers in nearby towns like Antrim, Hancock, or Peterborough can also improve your chances of securing care in a timely manner.
What are New Hampshire's licensing requirements for childcare providers, and how can I verify a provider's license and compliance history?
All childcare providers in New Hampshire caring for more than three unrelated children must be licensed by the DHHS Child Care Licensing Unit. Key requirements include background checks for all staff, health and safety training (including CPR/first aid), ongoing professional development, adherence to strict staff-to-child ratios based on age, and regular facility inspections. To verify a provider's license and view their compliance history, you can use the "Child Care License Lookup" tool on the NH DHHS website. This public database shows the license status, capacity, any serious violations (non-compliance), and the date of the last inspection. Always choose a licensed provider to ensure minimum health, safety, and quality standards are met.
Are there part-time, drop-in, or summer-only childcare programs available in Bennington for school-aged children?
Options for part-time, drop-in, or summer-only care in Bennington are limited but do exist. For school-aged children, the most reliable option is often the summer camp and vacation programs offered by the Bennington Elementary School or the Bennington Recreation Department. These are typically advertised well in advance and fill quickly. Some licensed family childcare homes in the area may offer part-time or "school's out" care for older children, but availability is sporadic. For more consistent drop-in or part-time care, parents often need to look to larger centers or specialized programs in nearby Peterborough or Milford. Networking with other local parents is key to finding and sharing information about these flexible arrangements.