The Best Daycare Centers in Center Strafford, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Center Strafford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Center Strafford
The Goddard School of Dover
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Dover offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, STEM, art, and physical development in purpose-built classrooms. All teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms with extensive learning materials. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and provide daily communication to parents about their child's activities and progress.
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The Children's Center of Strafford County
The Children's Center of Strafford County
As a nonprofit childcare center serving Strafford County since 2006, The Children's Center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a focus on developmental appropriateness and individualized learning. Their curriculum integrates Creative Curriculum with New Hampshire Early Learning Standards, emphasizing language development, social skills, and school readiness. The center features highly qualified early childhood educators, many with advanced degrees, and maintains excellent staff retention. Safety protocols include secured facilities, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. They offer inclusive programming and maintain strong partnerships with local school districts and community organizations.
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First Church Nursery School
First Church Nursery School
First Church Nursery School provides a nurturing, play-based learning environment that focuses on the whole child's development. Their curriculum emphasizes social-emotional growth, cognitive development, and kindergarten readiness through hands-on learning centers, literacy activities, and structured play. The school features experienced early childhood educators with low student-teacher ratios and a commitment to individualized attention. The facility includes spacious, well-equipped classrooms and safe outdoor play areas. Parents appreciate the strong communication, community atmosphere, and the school's focus on developing confidence and love of learning in young children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Center Strafford, NH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Center Strafford, NH, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Center Strafford and the surrounding Strafford County area, full-time daycare for an infant (under 18 months) typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs are slightly lower, averaging $1,000 to $1,400 per month. These rates can vary based on the type of facility (center-based vs. home-based), specific programs offered, and staff-to-child ratios. For financial assistance, New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) administers the Child Care Scholarship Program for eligible families based on income and need. Additionally, local organizations like Community Action Partnership of Strafford County (CAPSC) can provide guidance and support in accessing subsidies. It's highly recommended to apply for assistance well in advance, as funding can be limited.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Center Strafford is properly licensed, and what are New Hampshire's key licensing requirements?
All licensed childcare providers in New Hampshire are regulated by the Department of Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing Unit. You can verify a provider's license status and view any licensing history or reports by using the official "Child Care License Lookup" tool on the NH DHHS website. Key state requirements for licensed centers include: specific staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for preschoolers), background checks for all staff, annual training in topics like CPR/First Aid and child development, and regular health and safety inspections of the facility. In a smaller community like Center Strafford, many providers are licensed family childcare homes, which have different capacity limits but must meet similar standards for safety and quality.
Given that Center Strafford is a smaller town, what is the availability of daycare slots like, and how far in advance should I get on a waitlist?
Due to the rural nature of Center Strafford, licensed daycare options are limited compared to larger cities. There are a handful of licensed family childcare homes and possibly a small center serving the area, but slots fill up quickly. It is very common for popular providers to have waitlists. For infant care, which has the most limited availability due to stricter ratios, parents are advised to begin contacting providers and getting on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or 6-12 months before the needed start date. For toddler or preschool slots, seeking placement 3-6 months in advance is a prudent strategy. Expanding your search to neighboring towns like Barrington or Dover may increase your options.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available in the Center Strafford area?
Center Strafford's rural setting, with its access to forests, fields, and the nearby Bow Lake, makes it an ideal location for nature-based programming. While there may not be a formal "forest school" within the town limits itself, several providers in the area strongly emphasize outdoor play and exploration as part of their daily curriculum. Some licensed family childcare homes operate on properties with ample outdoor space for gardening, animal interaction, and unstructured play. Additionally, you may find preschool programs in surrounding communities that offer regular nature immersion. When touring providers, be sure to ask about their daily outdoor time policy, their use of natural materials, and if they have certifications like the NH Outdoor Preschool Learning Environment (OPLE) endorsement.
What resources are available in Center Strafford to help me find and evaluate local daycare options?
The primary resource for finding licensed childcare in New Hampshire is the statewide referral service, "NH Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R)," which is operated by the non-profit organization 603 Child Care. You can contact them via their website or hotline for a personalized list of licensed providers in the Center Strafford zip code (03815) and surrounding areas. For local evaluation, consider connecting with other parents through community hubs like the Center Strafford Congregational Church, the Strafford Town Offices, or the local Strafford School District (which serves the town). These networks can provide invaluable word-of-mouth recommendations and insights into a provider's reputation and reliability that you won't find online. The Strafford County Public Health Network may also have information on early childhood initiatives.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Center Strafford: