The Best Daycare Centers in Harrisville, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Harrisville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Harrisville
The Goddard School of Keene
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Keene offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, arts, and social-emotional development with daily progress reports and parent communication. They provide nutritious meals and snacks while maintaining rigorous health and safety protocols.
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Monadnock Children's Academy
Independent
Monadnock Children's Academy provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Their certified early childhood educators implement Creative Curriculum with emphasis on hands-on learning, social skills development, and kindergarten readiness. The center features secure facilities with coded entry, indoor gymnasium, and multiple outdoor playgrounds. They maintain excellent staff retention rates and offer extended hours to accommodate working families. Health and safety protocols include regular sanitation, secure pick-up procedures, and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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The River Center Family & Community Resource Center
Independent Nonprofit
The River Center offers high-quality preschool programs with a focus on whole-child development and family engagement. Their early childhood programs emphasize social-emotional learning, literacy development, and school readiness through play-based and structured activities. As a community resource center, they provide comprehensive family support services and maintain strong partnerships with local schools. Their experienced educators hold early childhood certifications and participate in ongoing professional development. The facility includes modern classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and family resource centers. They offer sliding scale tuition and scholarships to ensure accessibility for all families in the Monadnock region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Harrisville, NH
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Harrisville, NH, and how do I find them?
In Harrisville, NH, licensed childcare options primarily include licensed family childcare homes (operated in a provider's residence, typically for smaller groups) and licensed childcare centers. Due to Harrisville's small, rural nature, family childcare homes are often the most prevalent and accessible option. To find licensed providers, you should use the official New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Child Care Licensing Unit online search tool. You can filter by town, age group, and program type. Additionally, contacting the local resource and referral agency, "4C's of Southern New Hampshire," can provide personalized assistance and information on both licensed and license-exempt options in the Monadnock Region, which includes Harrisville.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Harrisville, and are there financial assistance programs?
In the Harrisville and broader Cheshire County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $175 to $250 per week for infant care. Center-based care in nearby larger towns like Keene or Peterborough tends to be higher, often ranging from $225 to $350+ per week. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through New Hampshire's Child Care Scholarship Program (formerly Child Care Development Fund). Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You apply through the NH DHHS. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare in Harrisville, and when should I start looking?
Given Harrisville's limited number of providers, waitlists can be substantial, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for popular licensed family homes or centers in the region to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a move to Harrisville 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. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, ask detailed questions about their waitlist process (e.g., Is there a fee? How often should I check in?), and consider expanding your search to surrounding towns like Dublin, Marlborough, or Keene.
What are the key state licensing requirements for childcare providers in New Hampshire that I should verify as a parent?
New Hampshire has strict licensing rules to ensure child safety and quality. As a parent in Harrisville, you should verify that any provider you consider is currently licensed by the NH DHHS. Key requirements you can ask about include: staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for preschoolers in a center), background checks for all staff and household members in a home, ongoing training in topics like CPR/First Aid and child development, and regular health and safety inspections of the facility. You have the right to ask to see a provider's current license and any recent inspection reports. The state also mandates safe sleep practices for infants and nutrition guidelines.
Are there any unique childcare challenges or resources for families in a rural town like Harrisville, NH?
Yes, Harrisville's rural setting presents specific challenges and resources. A primary challenge is sheer availability and choice; there are far fewer options than in urban areas, and transportation can be a barrier if care is located in a neighboring town. However, the community often has tight-knit networks. Utilize local Facebook community groups (e.g., "Harrisville, NH Community Page") and word-of-mouth recommendations, which are invaluable for finding both licensed and trusted informal care. For resources, consider the "Monadnock United Way" and the "Harrisville General Store" as community hubs where information is often shared. Additionally, some employers in the region, particularly in Keene, may offer dependent care flexible spending accounts or referral services to help employees find care.