The Best Daycare Centers in Francestown, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Francestown. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Francestown
The Goddard School of Amherst
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Amherst 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 focuses on literacy, STEM, creative arts, and physical development through play-based learning. All teachers are highly qualified with early childhood education degrees and ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provide daily communication to parents about their child's progress and activities.
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Small Wonders Childcare and Learning Center
Independent
Small Wonders provides a nurturing, educational environment with a curriculum that combines structured learning and child-directed activities. Their approach emphasizes social skills, emotional development, and kindergarten readiness through hands-on experiences. The center features certified early childhood educators, low student-teacher ratios, and comprehensive safety protocols including secure facilities and regular emergency drills. They offer nutritious meals and snacks, extensive outdoor play areas, and enrichment programs in music and movement. Parents consistently praise the dedicated staff and the center's family-like atmosphere that makes children feel secure and valued.
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The River Center Early Childhood Program
The River Center
The River Center's Early Childhood Program offers a highly-regarded preschool experience with a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum that focuses on the whole child. Their certified teachers create engaging learning environments that promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. The program emphasizes social skills, problem-solving, and creative expression through hands-on activities and project-based learning. They maintain exceptional safety standards with small class sizes and individualized attention. The center also provides comprehensive family support services and collaborates with early intervention specialists when needed, making it a standout choice for families seeking both educational excellence and community support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Francestown, NH
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Francestown, NH, and how do I find them?
In Francestown, the primary licensed childcare options are licensed family childcare homes and potentially small center-based programs, though centers are more common in larger nearby towns like Peterborough or Hillsborough. Family childcare homes are typically run out of a provider's residence and offer a smaller, home-like setting for a limited number of children. To find licensed providers, your best resource is the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Child Care Licensing Unit. You can search their online database for licensed providers by town. Additionally, local resources like the Francestown Town Hall bulletin board, the Francestown Village Store community board, and regional parenting groups on social media (e.g., Monadnock Region Parents) are invaluable for discovering local, trusted options and hearing about potential openings.
What is the average cost for full-time childcare in Francestown, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
For a licensed family childcare home in Francestown and the surrounding rural areas, you can expect to pay an average of $180 to $250 per week for full-time care for an infant or toddler. Rates for preschool-aged children may be slightly lower. These costs are generally less than in more urban parts of New Hampshire but reflect the limited supply of providers. For financial assistance, New Hampshire's Child Care Scholarship Program (CCSP) is the primary resource for eligible families. Eligibility is based on income, work/training status, and family size. You apply through the NH DHHS. It's also worth inquiring directly with providers, as some may offer sibling discounts or flexible payment plans, which is common in close-knit communities like Francestown.
How long are waitlists for daycare in Francestown, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small town like Francestown, waitlists can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move begin their search as early as possible—ideally during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and process. Be prepared to put your name on multiple lists, including providers in neighboring towns such as Bennington, Greenfield, or Hancock. Proactive and early planning is crucial in a rural childcare market with high demand and low turnover in available spots.
What are the state licensing requirements for childcare providers in New Hampshire, and how can I verify a provider's license?
All childcare providers in New Hampshire caring for three or more unrelated children must be licensed by the DHHS Child Care Licensing Unit. Key requirements include background checks for all household members over 17, health and safety training (including CPR/First Aid), ongoing professional development, compliance with staff-to-child ratios, and regular inspections of the home or facility. To verify a provider's license status and view any history of compliance, you can use the "Child Care Search" tool on the NH DHHS website. This public record will show the license type, capacity, and any regulatory history. Always choose a licensed provider to ensure basic health, safety, and quality standards are met.
Are there any part-time, drop-in, or summer-only childcare options available in Francestown for school-aged children?
Traditional part-time or drop-in daycare options are very limited in Francestown itself due to the prevalence of full-time, licensed family homes. However, for school-aged children, the Francestown Elementary School may offer before- and after-school programs during the academic year. For summer care, your best bets are to look for town-run or community-based day camps. The Francestown Recreation Department may organize summer programs, and nearby towns like Peterborough often have robust day camp offerings (e.g., at the Peterborough Recreation Center or The River Center). Networking with other local parents is often the most effective way to learn about informal summer nanny shares or babysitting circles, which are popular solutions in rural communities.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Francestown: