The Best Daycare Centers in Exeter, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Exeter. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Exeter
Exeter Early Education Center
Independent Non-Profit
Exeter Early Education Center is a highly-regarded non-profit facility offering comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based learning approach. The center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, low student-teacher ratios, and a curriculum focused on social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities. Their secure facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the center's warm, nurturing environment and strong communication with families through daily reports and parent-teacher conferences.
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The Children's Garden Early Learning Center
Independent
The Children's Garden offers a nature-inspired educational environment with a curriculum that blends Montessori principles with structured academic preparation. The center employs experienced early childhood educators who create individualized learning plans for each child. Features include organic garden spaces for outdoor learning, comprehensive security systems with keypad entry, and a literacy-rich environment with extensive classroom libraries. The center is noted for its strong emphasis on environmental education, character development, and preparing children for kindergarten success through hands-on learning experiences.
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The Learning Experience - Stratham
The Learning Experience Corporate
Located just minutes from Exeter in neighboring Stratham, The Learning Experience is a nationally recognized early education center serving the Exeter community. They offer a proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum (Learning Experience Academic Program) that includes phonics, foreign language introduction, and manners/values programming. The facility features modern security systems including electronic check-in/out, bright and spacious classrooms, and indoor gym facilities for active play during inclement weather. Staff maintain advanced certifications in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. Parents appreciate the structured yet engaging learning environment and comprehensive progress tracking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Exeter, NH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Exeter, NH?
In Exeter, the cost of full-time childcare varies significantly based on the child's age and the type of program. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,200 to $1,500 per month. Preschool programs (ages 3-5) are generally slightly less, averaging $1,000 to $1,300 per month. Home-based family childcare providers in the area often offer more competitive rates, sometimes 10-20% lower than centers. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Exeter and the surrounding Seacoast region often have higher-than-state-average childcare costs due to demand and operational expenses.
How long are waitlists for infant care at licensed centers in Exeter, and how should I plan ahead?
Waitlists for infant care spots in Exeter are notoriously long, often ranging from 6 to 18 months, especially at highly-regarded centers. This is due to New Hampshire's strict infant-to-caregiver ratio (1:4) and high demand in the family-friendly Seacoast region. To secure a spot, it is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin researching and touring facilities during their second trimester and get on multiple waitlists as soon as possible. Many centers in Exeter, such as those affiliated with local employers or the Exeter Hospital, have even longer waits. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $50-$100) and to follow up periodically to express continued interest.
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in New Hampshire, and how can I verify a provider in Exeter?
All childcare providers in Exeter 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. Licensing ensures compliance with state regulations for health, safety, staff qualifications, background checks, child-to-staff ratios, and facility standards. You can verify the license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history of any Exeter provider for free through the NH Child Care Licensing Public Search portal online. It is crucial to choose a licensed provider, as this offers legal protections and ensures a baseline of safety and quality. Always ask to see a current license during your tour.
Are there any local resources or programs in Exeter that help parents find and afford childcare?
Yes, Exeter parents have several key local resources. The primary hub is **Child Care Aware of New Hampshire**, which offers a free referral service to help families find licensed providers in the Exeter area. For financial assistance, the **New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship Program** (commonly called the "state scholarship") helps eligible low- and moderate-income families pay for care. Application is through the NH DHHS. Additionally, the **Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce** may have information on member childcare businesses, and local community boards like the Exeter News-Letter or Facebook groups (e.g., "Exeter, NH Moms") are often used by parents to share recommendations and learn about openings in smaller, home-based programs.
What should I look for when touring a daycare center or family childcare home in Exeter specifically?
When touring providers in Exeter, go beyond the basics. First, ask about their **emergency preparedness plans** for local scenarios, like severe coastal storms or flooding. Observe the **physical environment**: Is there secure, age-appropriate outdoor play space, and how do they handle the New England winters? Inquire about **staff longevity**—low turnover is a key indicator of quality and stability. Ask for specifics on their **communication with parents** (many use apps like Brightwheel or Tadpoles). Finally, given Exeter's community feel, ask how they integrate into the town—do they take walks to the Swasey Parkway or participate in local events? A provider embedded in the community often offers a richer experience for your child. Always trust your instincts about the warmth and professionalism of the caregivers.
Childcare Insights for Exeter
As the school year winds down, many parents in Exeter find themselves facing the annual question of summer childcare. The search for "summer daycare near me" is more than just finding a place for your children to be; it’s about securing a safe, engaging, and enriching environment for those precious sunny months. In a community like Exeter, with its rich history and strong sense of local connection, you have wonderful options that blend structured care with the unique charm of the Seacoast region.
When beginning your search here in Exeter, it's wise to start early. Quality summer programs, especially those with limited enrollment or popular themes, can fill up quickly by late spring. A great first step is to connect with other local parents through community boards, the Exeter Parks and Recreation Department, or neighborhood social media groups. They often have firsthand insights into programs their children have loved. The Exeter area offers a diverse mix of traditional daycare centers with extended summer schedules, specialized day camps run by organizations like the YMCA or local sports clubs, and smaller, home-based providers. Each offers a different flavor of summer, from structured, curriculum-based learning to more free-form, play-centric days exploring the outdoors.
Consider what kind of summer experience you envision for your child. Are they a budding scientist who would thrive at a STEM camp, or an outdoor enthusiast eager for nature exploration? Exeter’s proximity to forests, rivers, and the coast means many local programs incorporate outdoor adventure, which is a tremendous benefit. Look for providers that take advantage of our beautiful surroundings with regular trips to local parks, organized walks along the Exeter River, or even simple, daily outdoor playtime. This connection to nature is a hallmark of a New Hampshire summer and a significant part of a high-quality childcare experience here.
Practical logistics are key for a smooth summer. When evaluating a "summer daycare near me" in Exeter, pay close attention to their schedule flexibility. Does it align with your work hours, especially if you commute to Portsmouth, Manchester, or Boston? Inquire about their policies for sunscreen application, hydration breaks on hot days, and their rainy-day plans. Don’t hesitate to ask for references from other Exeter families; a provider's local reputation is invaluable. Finally, schedule a visit. Seeing the space, meeting the staff, and feeling the atmosphere will tell you more than any brochure. A warm, organized environment where children are actively engaged and happy is the ultimate goal.
Finding the right summer care in Exeter, NH, is an investment in your child’s joyful memories and your own peace of mind. By tapping into local resources and prioritizing a program that matches your child’s interests with the authentic opportunities our town provides, you can transform the search for childcare into a plan for a fantastic summer adventure right here in our own community.