The Best Daycare Centers in Concord, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Concord. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Concord
The Children's Learning Center at YMCA Allard Center
Granite YMCA
The Children's Learning Center at YMCA Allard Center is a highly-regarded facility serving the Concord region with comprehensive early childhood education programs. Operating under the respected Granite YMCA organization, this center offers research-based curriculum focusing on social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities. Their experienced teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and holds early childhood education credentials. The facility features modern classrooms, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and extensive outdoor play spaces. What sets this center apart is their commitment to character development, healthy living education, and family engagement through regular parent-teacher conferences and community events.
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Bright Horizons at Concord
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Concord is part of the nationally recognized Bright Horizons network, offering premium early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum. This center emphasizes hands-on learning through discovery and play, with dedicated spaces for art, music, movement, and STEM activities. The highly qualified teaching staff includes educators with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds with safety surfaces, and nutritionally balanced meals prepared on-site. Their comprehensive approach includes regular developmental assessments and strong parent communication through daily reports and digital updates.
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The Learning Center at Red River
Red River Theatres
The Learning Center at Red River offers a unique educational environment that integrates arts and literacy into their comprehensive early childhood program. Located in downtown Concord, this center provides a creative, project-based curriculum that emphasizes social development, critical thinking, and academic readiness. Their experienced educators hold advanced degrees and certifications in early childhood education, maintaining small class sizes for individualized attention. The facility includes bright, well-equipped classrooms, a dedicated art studio, and access to the adjacent theater's cultural resources. What distinguishes this center is their focus on creative expression, community involvement, and fostering lifelong learning habits through engaging, hands-on experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Concord, NH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Concord, NH, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Concord, 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 childcare centers. 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. This database allows you to search by location (including Concord) and view the provider's license type, status, capacity, and any history of compliance issues or violations. It's a crucial first step in your search.
What is the average cost of full-time infant and toddler daycare in Concord, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In Concord, the average cost for full-time infant care (0-18 months) typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, while toddler care (18-36 months) averages between $1,000 and $1,400 per month. Costs vary based on the type of center, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. For financial assistance, New Hampshire's primary program is the Child Care Scholarship (CCS), administered by the DHHS. Eligibility is based on family income, work/training hours, and family size. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or scholarships. The "Spark NH" website and the 2-1-1 NH resource hotline are excellent local resources for navigating assistance options.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Concord, and when should I start looking for care?
Waitlists for high-quality, licensed daycare centers in Concord can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, and sometimes longer for popular centers. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a move to Concord begin their search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before you need care. Many centers allow you to join a waitlist for a small fee. Be proactive, get on multiple lists, and follow up periodically to check your status.
What are the main types of childcare options available to parents in Concord, NH?
Concord offers several types of licensed childcare options. **Childcare Centers** are facility-based programs, often with structured curricula and multiple classrooms (e.g., The Children's Place, Concord YMCA Early Childhood Center). **Family Childcare Homes** are smaller, home-based programs licensed for a specific number of children, offering a more intimate setting. **Preschools** typically serve children ages 3-5, often with part-day programs focused on school readiness. **School-Age Programs** provide before/after-school care and summer camps, often run by organizations like the Boys & Girls Club or the YMCA. The best choice depends on your child's age, your schedule, and your preferred learning environment.
Are there specific resources in Concord to help me find and evaluate quality childcare?
Yes, Concord has excellent local resources. Your first stop should be the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) service through "Spark NH."** They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed providers in the Concord area based on your specific needs. They can also help you understand quality indicators. Additionally, you can visit centers in person for tours—look for their NH Child Care License, ask about staff qualifications and turnover, observe interactions, and check for a clean, safe, and engaging environment. The **NH DHHS licensing reports** (accessible online) provide objective data on a provider's compliance history. Local parent groups on social media can also offer personal recommendations.