The Best Daycare Centers in Hooksett, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hooksett. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hooksett
The Learning Experience - Hooksett
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Hooksett offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum that focuses on both academic and social development. The center features bright, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers, secure entry systems, and outdoor playgrounds. Their programs include phonics, foreign language introduction, manners and etiquette, and fitness activities. Teachers maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and participate in ongoing professional development. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas and specialized toddler learning environments.
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The Goddard School of Londonderry
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located just minutes from Hooksett, The Goddard School of Londonderry provides a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX. (Fun Learning Experience) program. The school features secure facilities with coded entry systems, multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, and classrooms equipped with SMART Board technology. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, STEM, art, and social development. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive continuous training. The school maintains excellent health and safety protocols with regular sanitation and security monitoring.
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Primrose School of Bedford
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Bedford serves the Hooksett area with their Balanced Learning approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance. The school features state-of-the-art security systems including secured entry and comprehensive camera monitoring. Their curriculum includes literacy development, character development programs, music, art, and physical activities. Classrooms are designed with learning centers that encourage exploration and independence. The school employs degreed early childhood educators and maintains small class sizes with optimal teacher-to-child ratios. They offer nutritious meals prepared on-site and maintain excellent health and safety standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hooksett, NH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Hooksett, NH, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Hooksett, 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 childcare homes and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. To verify a facility's license status, you can use the official "Child Care Search" tool on the NH DHHS website. It's highly recommended to check this database, as it shows the license type, capacity, any compliance history, and the date of the last inspection. You can also contact the licensing unit directly for confirmation.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Hooksett, and are there any local financial assistance programs available?
The average cost for full-time childcare in Hooksett varies by age and program type. For an infant in a childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately $1,300 to $1,600 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $1,100 to $1,400 per month. Family childcare homes often offer slightly lower rates. Financial assistance is available through the New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. Eligibility is based on family income, household size, and need (such as employment or education). Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Hooksett, and what can I do to secure a spot for my infant?
Waitlists for infant care in Hooksett can be quite long, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for highly sought-after centers. This is due to strict infant-to-staff ratios (4:1) limiting available spots. To improve your chances, start your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. Be proactive: contact centers directly to inquire about their specific process, update your information every few months, and express continued interest. Consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in Hooksett and neighboring towns like Manchester or Goffstown, as they may have shorter wait times and offer a more home-like setting.
Are there any unique childcare options or programs in Hooksett that cater to specific needs, such as extended hours or flexible schedules?
Yes, Hooksett offers a mix of traditional and flexible childcare options. While most centers operate on a standard 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule, some family childcare providers may offer more flexible or extended hours to accommodate non-traditional work shifts. For school-age children, the Hooksett School District's SAU #15 offers before- and after-school programs at local elementary schools like Fred C. Underhill and Hooksett Memorial. For parents seeking part-time or drop-in care, options are more limited but do exist; you'll need to inquire directly with providers about their flexibility. The "MyChildCareNH" resource and referral service can help match your specific scheduling needs with available local providers.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in Hooksett, and what local-specific questions should I ask?
During a tour, observe the cleanliness, safety (secured entrances, covered outlets, fenced playgrounds), and how staff interact with children. Check for NH DHHS license and inspection reports posted visibly. Ask specific local questions, such as: "What is your policy for outdoor play during Hooksett's winter months?" "How do you handle communication during school delays or closures that affect staff?" "Can you describe your emergency preparedness plan for events like severe New England storms?" Also inquire about their connection to the community: "Do children take walks to local spots like the Hooksett Public Library or Head's Pond?" and "What is your summer program like, and do you utilize local parks?" These questions reveal how the program integrates with and adapts to the Hooksett environment.