The Best Daycare Centers in Epsom, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Epsom. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Epsom
Bright Horizons at Concord
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Concord is a nationally accredited center offering NAEYC-accredited programs with research-based curriculum. The center features highly qualified early childhood educators with bachelor's degrees and specialized training in developmental milestones. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizes STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritionally balanced meal programs. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, individualized attention, and preparation for kindergarten transition.
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The Children's Place & Early Childhood Center
Independent
The Children's Place offers a comprehensive early childhood program with a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Their certified teachers implement Creative Curriculum with emphasis on hands-on exploration and social development. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, secure video monitoring, and outdoor learning environments. Special programs include music enrichment, gardening activities, and family engagement events. The center is known for its warm, nurturing environment and strong focus on building foundational literacy and math skills through developmentally appropriate practices.
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Creative Kids Learning Center
Independent
Creative Kids Learning Center provides a balanced educational approach combining Montessori-inspired activities with traditional preschool curriculum. Their program focuses on whole-child development through sensory exploration, creative arts, and early literacy activities. The center features certified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development and low student-teacher ratios. Safety protocols include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness training. The facility includes multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated art and music spaces, and family communication portals for daily updates and developmental tracking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Epsom, NH
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Epsom, NH, and how do they differ?
In Epsom, parents typically have three main licensed options: licensed family childcare homes, licensed childcare centers, and licensed plus programs. Licensed family childcare homes operate out of a provider's residence and are licensed for a smaller number of children (often 6-10), offering a home-like environment. Licensed childcare centers are facilities dedicated solely to childcare, often with multiple classrooms and staff, and may offer more structured educational programs. New Hampshire also has a "Licensed Plus" designation for programs that voluntarily meet higher quality standards beyond basic licensing. Given Epsom's more rural setting, family childcare homes are a common and valued option, providing care that can be more flexible with hours. All are regulated by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Child Care Licensing Unit.
How much does full-time childcare typically cost in Epsom, and is there any financial assistance available?
Costs in Epsom vary by provider type and the child's age. For infants, full-time care at a licensed center can range from $250 to $350 per week. Family childcare homes may range from $200 to $280 per week. Costs generally decrease slightly for toddlers and preschoolers. These rates are somewhat lower than in more urban areas of New Hampshire like Manchester or Concord, but still represent a significant household expense. For financial assistance, New Hampshire's Child Care Scholarship Program (CCSP) is the primary resource for eligible families, based on income, work/training hours, and family size. You apply through the NH DHHS. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts, and it's worth inquiring directly about any private scholarship or sliding-scale options they might have.
Are daycare waitlists common in Epsom, and how far in advance should I start looking for care?
Yes, waitlists are common, especially for infant care and at highly sought-after providers. Epsom's childcare capacity is limited compared to larger towns, so popular family childcare homes and centers often have waiting lists. For infant care (children under 18 months), it is strongly advised to begin your search during pregnancy, ideally 6-9 months before your needed start date. For toddler or preschool spots, starting 3-6 months in advance is prudent. When contacting providers, always ask about their current waitlist policy, estimated timeline, and if a deposit is required to hold a spot. Being flexible with your start date can sometimes help secure a spot sooner.
What are the state-mandated staff-to-child ratios and key safety regulations for New Hampshire daycares?
New Hampshire has strict staff-to-child ratios that all licensed providers in Epsom must follow. For infants (0-12 months), the ratio is 1 staff member to 4 infants. For toddlers (12-36 months), it's 1:5. For preschoolers (3-5 years), it's 1:10. These ratios ensure adequate supervision and care. Key safety regulations include comprehensive background checks (criminal record and DHHS registry) for all staff and household members in family homes, safe sleep practices for infants (ABCs - Alone, on their Back, in a Crib), emergency preparedness plans, and specific health and immunization requirements. Licensing specialists from the state conduct unannounced inspections to ensure compliance. Parents can verify a provider's license status and view inspection reports online through the NH DHHS Child Care Licensing portal.
What resources are available in the Epsom area to help me find and evaluate quality childcare providers?
The primary resource is the **Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for New Hampshire, which is 603 Child Care Resource & Referral**. They maintain a comprehensive, searchable database of all licensed providers in Epsom and the surrounding region. You can search by location, age of child, and type of care on their website or call for personalized referrals. They also offer guidance on what to look for during a visit and questions to ask providers. Locally, connecting with other parents through community groups, the Epsom Public Library, or town Facebook pages can yield personal recommendations. When evaluating, look for providers with the "Licensed Plus" quality designation, ask about their curriculum/philosophy, observe caregiver-child interactions, and check for a clean, safe, and engaging environment.