The Best Daycare Centers in Hillsborough, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hillsborough. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hillsborough
Hillsborough Child Care Center
Independent
Hillsborough Child Care Center is a highly-regarded local facility known for its play-based learning approach and strong community ties. The center emphasizes social-emotional development through structured activities and free play, with a curriculum that includes literacy, math, and science exploration. Staff members are certified in early childhood education and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention. Safety is prioritized with secure entry systems, regular drills, and a clean, nurturing environment. Parents praise the center's open communication, nutritious meal programs, and inclusive atmosphere that supports diverse family needs. Outdoor play areas and enrichment activities like music and art make it a standout choice in the area.
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Peterborough Child Care Center
Independent
Peterborough Child Care Center is celebrated for its nature-based curriculum and strong emphasis on outdoor education, located just a short drive from Hillsborough. The center uses a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, encouraging child-led exploration and project-based learning. Qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education foster cognitive and physical development through hands-on activities in spacious indoor and outdoor environments. Safety protocols include background-checked staff, real-time parent updates via app, and allergy-aware practices. High parent satisfaction stems from its transparent communication, developmental milestone tracking, and flexible scheduling options, making it a trusted provider in the region.
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KinderCare Learning Center - Concord
KinderCare Education
As part of a reputable national chain, KinderCare in Concord offers a research-based curriculum that includes phonics, STEM activities, and social skills development, serving families from Hillsborough and surrounding areas. The center features dedicated learning centers for different age groups, with teachers trained in CPR, first aid, and early childhood best practices. Safety is enhanced through keypad entry, daily health checks, and secure playgrounds. Parents value the consistent communication, nutritious meals provided, and enrichment programs like music and physical education. Its long-standing operation and accreditation by national bodies ensure high-quality care and educational excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hillsborough, NH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Hillsborough, NH, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In New Hampshire, all childcare providers 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. This includes family child care homes and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. To verify a provider's license in Hillsborough, you can use the official "Child Care Search" tool on the NH DHHS website. You can also contact the Child Care Licensing Unit directly. It's highly recommended to ask any provider you are considering for their license number and to check their compliance history, as this is a critical first step in ensuring a safe environment for your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Hillsborough, NH?
The cost of childcare in Hillsborough, NH, varies based on the type of care (center-based vs. family home), the child's age, and the specific program. On average, parents can expect to pay between $1,000 to $1,400 per month for full-time infant care in a licensed center. Family child care homes may be slightly less, typically ranging from $800 to $1,200 per month. Costs for toddlers are generally 5-15% lower. These rates are influenced by the rural nature of Hillsborough and the surrounding Monadnock Region. It's important to inquire about what is included in the tuition (e.g., meals, diapers, curriculum). For financial assistance, New Hampshire offers the Child Care Scholarship Program for eligible families, which can be applied for through the DHHS.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Hillsborough, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Yes, due to limited capacity in a smaller community like Hillsborough, waitlists for high-quality, licensed daycare centers and popular family child care homes are common, especially for infant care. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy or at least 6-12 months before you need care. Some families report waiting over a year for an infant spot. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length and policy. Being flexible with your start date can sometimes help. Exploring options in neighboring towns like Peterborough, Henniker, or Deering may also increase your chances of finding an available spot sooner.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Hillsborough, NH?
Hillsborough primarily offers two types of licensed childcare: Family Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers. Family Child Care Homes are small, home-based programs run by a licensed provider, often offering a more intimate, family-like setting for a mixed-age group. Child Care Centers are larger facilities, such as the Hillsborough Head Start program (which serves income-eligible families) or private centers, which may offer structured curricula and multiple classrooms. Given the town's size, family child care homes are a prevalent option. There are also limited preschool programs for children ages 3-5, sometimes operated by local churches or community organizations. For school-age children, the Hillsborough School District offers before and after-school programs at the elementary schools.
What local resources or organizations in Hillsborough can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
A key local resource is **4C's of Southern New Hampshire** (Community Council of Services for Children and Families), which serves the region including Hillsborough. They offer a free **Child Care Referral Service** to help parents find licensed and registered providers that match their needs. You can contact them online or by phone. Additionally, the **Hillsborough Public Library** can be a source of community bulletin board postings for home-based providers. For evaluating quality, look for providers participating in New Hampshire's **Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)**, called "Quality Early Learning System." Providers with a QRIS rating have voluntarily met higher standards of quality. Networking with other parents through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Hillsborough, NH Community") is also a valuable way to get personal recommendations and insights.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Hillsborough: