The Best Daycare Centers in Enfield Center, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Enfield Center. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Enfield Center
Bright Horizons at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
This NAEYC-accredited center serves the Dartmouth-Hitchcock medical community and surrounding areas with a comprehensive educational curriculum. Features highly qualified early childhood educators with bachelor's and master's degrees, low teacher-to-child ratios, and a research-based World at Their Fingertips curriculum. The facility includes age-appropriate learning environments, secure access systems, and nutritious meal programs. Specializes in STEM education and social-emotional development with regular developmental assessments and parent-teacher conferences.
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The Children's Center at Dartmouth
Dartmouth College
Operated by Dartmouth College, this highly-regarded center serves faculty, staff, and community families with a play-based, emergent curriculum inspired by Reggio Emilia principles. Features master's-level early childhood educators, natural outdoor classrooms, and project-based learning approaches. The center maintains excellent staff retention rates and offers comprehensive health and safety protocols including secured facilities and certified teachers in CPR/first aid. Emphasizes inclusive education and cultural diversity with Spanish language exposure.
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Creative Kids Preschool & Childcare Center
Independent
Family-owned center serving the Upper Valley region with a balanced approach combining structured academics and creative exploration. Features state-licensed teachers with early childhood credentials, comprehensive security systems including coded entry, and USDA-approved nutrition program. The curriculum integrates literacy, mathematics, science, and arts with emphasis on social skills development. Offers flexible scheduling options and maintains small class sizes with individualized learning plans. Highly rated for its warm, nurturing environment and strong parent communication system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Enfield Center, NH
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available to families in Enfield Center, NH?
In Enfield Center and the surrounding Upper Valley region, parents typically have three main licensed options. First, there are licensed family childcare homes, which are smaller, home-based settings often offering a more intimate environment for a mixed-age group, commonly found in residential areas. Second, there are childcare centers, which are larger facilities with multiple classrooms and staff; the nearest centers are often located in nearby towns like Enfield, Canaan, or Lebanon. Third, there are preschool programs, which may be part of a center or a standalone program focusing on ages 3-5. Given Enfield Center's more rural setting, family childcare homes are a particularly common and valued option. All licensed providers in New Hampshire are regulated by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Child Care Licensing Unit, which ensures they meet standards for safety, staff qualifications, and program quality.
How can I find and verify the license of a childcare provider in Enfield Center?
The State of New Hampshire provides a crucial online resource called "NH Child Care Search." You can access this tool through the NH DHHS website to search for licensed providers by town, including those in Enfield and the surrounding area. This database will show you a provider's license status (full, provisional, or expired), capacity, ages served, and any licensing history or complaints. It's highly recommended to cross-reference this online information with a direct visit. When you contact a provider, you should ask to see their current license, which must be posted in a visible location. You can also contact the Northern Regional Office of the NH Child Care Licensing Unit for additional verification or to ask specific questions about a provider's compliance history.
What is the typical cost range for full-time childcare in the Enfield Center area, and is there financial assistance available?
Costs in the Upper Valley region can vary significantly based on the type of care and the child's age. For a licensed family childcare home in the Enfield area, you might expect to pay between $180 and $250 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. Center-based care in nearby Lebanon or Hanover tends to be higher, often ranging from $250 to $350+ per week. Preschool programs for 3-5-year-olds may have slightly lower weekly rates. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through the New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, which is income-based. Additionally, some local employers in the region, such as Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, may offer dependent care assistance programs. It's essential to apply for the CCS well in advance, as processing times can be lengthy, and to ask individual providers if they accept scholarship funds.
Are waitlists common for childcare in Enfield Center, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common throughout the Upper Valley, including for providers serving Enfield Center. The limited number of providers, especially for infant care, creates high demand. It is strongly advised to begin your search during pregnancy or at least 6 to 12 months before your needed start date. For popular preschool programs with a September start, registration often opens the prior January. When contacting providers, always ask about their current waitlist policy: the estimated wait time, if there's a fee to be on the list, and how often you should check in. Being flexible with your start date or considering a combination of options (e.g., a family home for infants, transitioning to a center later) can improve your chances of securing a spot.
What are some local resources or networks for parents to get referrals and recommendations for childcare in Enfield Center?
Beyond online state databases, local word-of-mouth and community networks are invaluable in a smaller community like Enfield Center. A primary resource is the **Family Place** in nearby Norwich, VT, which serves the entire Upper Valley. They offer parenting support and may have updated provider lists or referral services. Connecting with other parents through the **Enfield Community Church** playgroup, the **Enfield Public Library** children's programs, or local Facebook groups (e.g., "Upper Valley Moms and Dads" or "Enfield, NH Community") can yield personal recommendations. Additionally, you can contact the **School Administrative Unit (SAU) 70** district office, as they sometimes have information about before/after-school care options for older children that can lead to referrals for younger siblings.