The Best Daycare Centers in Lebanon, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lebanon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lebanon
Creative Kids Preschool
Independent
Creative Kids Preschool offers a comprehensive early childhood education program focused on play-based learning and social-emotional development. The center features a structured curriculum that incorporates literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts while maintaining small class sizes for individualized attention. Their experienced teaching staff holds early childhood education credentials and emphasizes creating a nurturing, inclusive environment. The facility includes dedicated learning centers, outdoor play spaces, and age-appropriate materials that encourage exploration and discovery. Parents consistently praise the center's strong communication, engaging activities, and the genuine care teachers show for each child's development.
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Hanover Child Care Center
Independent
Hanover Child Care Center serves the Upper Valley region including Lebanon families with a comprehensive educational program from infancy through preschool. The center follows a research-based curriculum that balances structured learning with child-directed exploration, focusing on cognitive, social, and physical development. Their highly qualified teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and participates in ongoing professional development. The facility features secure access systems, age-specific classrooms, natural outdoor play areas, and nutritious meal programs. The center is noted for its strong parent partnerships, detailed progress reporting, and commitment to creating a safe, stimulating environment that prepares children for academic success.
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Tiny Twisters Childcare & Learning Center
Independent
Tiny Twisters Childcare & Learning Center provides a comprehensive early education program serving Lebanon and surrounding communities. Their curriculum integrates academic preparation with character development, using thematic units that incorporate literacy, STEM activities, creative arts, and physical education. The center features a secure facility with monitored access, age-appropriate learning environments, and extensive outdoor play spaces. Their teaching team includes certified early childhood educators who emphasize individualized learning plans and regular assessment of developmental milestones. The center is particularly praised for its flexible scheduling options, inclusive community atmosphere, and strong emphasis on preparing children for kindergarten through a balanced approach of structured learning and play-based exploration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lebanon, NH
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lebanon, NH, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Lebanon, NH, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,000 to $1,400 per month. These rates can vary based on the type of center (corporate, non-profit, in-home) and the specific services offered. For financial assistance, New Hampshire's primary program is the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), which is income-based. Locally, you can apply through the Lebanon District Office of DHHS. Additionally, some employers in the Upper Valley area, including Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, may offer dependent care flexible spending accounts or referral services. It's highly recommended to inquire directly with childcare providers about any sliding scale fees or sibling discounts they may offer.
How long are typical waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Lebanon, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Waitlists in Lebanon, especially for infant care, can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for the most sought-after centers. This is due to high demand and limited infant-to-staff ratios mandated by New Hampshire state licensing. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple centers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is common. Follow up politely every few months to confirm your spot. Consider expanding your search to neighboring towns like Hanover, Enfield, or West Lebanon, and explore licensed family childcare homes, which may have shorter wait times. Being flexible with your start date can also help.
What are the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a licensed family childcare home in New Hampshire, and how do I verify a provider's license in Lebanon?
Licensed childcare centers in Lebanon are facilities that care for 13 or more children in a non-residential setting, often with multiple staff, structured curricula, and specific age-group classrooms. Licensed family childcare homes operate out of the provider's residence and care for a smaller number of children (up to 6, including the provider's own, with specific age mix rules), offering a more home-like environment. Both must meet NH's licensing standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, and programming. To verify a provider's license, status, and any history of compliance issues, you must use the New Hampshire Child Care Licensing Unit's online "License Look-Up" tool. You can also contact the Northern Regional Office of the NH Child Care Licensing Unit, which oversees Lebanon, for additional verification.
Are there any daycare centers in Lebanon that offer specialized care, such as for children with allergies or developmental needs, or that have non-traditional hours for healthcare workers?
Yes, several options exist in the Lebanon area. Given the presence of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC), some centers are accustomed to serving families with non-traditional schedules. It's essential to inquire directly, as some may offer extended early morning or evening hours. For specialized care, many licensed centers in Lebanon can accommodate common food allergies with detailed allergy action plans. For more significant developmental or medical needs, you should look for centers that participate in New Hampshire's Inclusive Child Care Program (ICCP), which provides training and support to providers. The "Early Childhood Network" through the Upper Valley Services can be a resource for connecting with inclusive providers. Always discuss your child's specific needs in detail during tours and interviews.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in Lebanon, and what are some local-specific questions I should ask?
During a tour, observe the cleanliness, safety (outlet covers, secure gates), child-to-staff interactions, and the overall mood of the children. Check for secure outdoor play spaces. For Lebanon-specific context, ask: "What is your policy for outdoor time during cold winter months?" (to understand their approach to New England weather). Ask about their staff turnover rate, as the competitive job market in the Upper Valley can impact consistency. Inquire if they participate in local initiatives like the "Upper Valley Food & Farm" program for snacks. Crucially, ask about their emergency preparedness plan, including protocols for communication during events like severe snowstorms that can close roads. Finally, request contact information for current parents from the Lebanon area to get firsthand feedback about their experience with pick-up/drop-off logistics and community integration.