The Best Daycare Centers in Lisbon, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lisbon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lisbon
Growing Places Early Learning Center
Growing Places Early Learning Center
Growing Places offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood certifications, low student-teacher ratios, and modern, secure facilities with age-appropriate learning environments. Their program includes outdoor exploration in natural settings, nutritious meal programs, and strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences. The center is known for its inclusive atmosphere and developmentally appropriate practices that prepare children for kindergarten success.
Daycare Services:
Little People's Learning Center
Little People's Learning Center
Little People's Learning Center provides a nurturing environment with a structured curriculum that balances academic preparation and creative expression. Their experienced staff holds early childhood education degrees and certifications, maintaining excellent teacher-to-child ratios. The facility includes secure, age-specific classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated spaces for art, music, and movement. The center emphasizes character development, social skills, and kindergarten readiness through hands-on learning experiences. They offer flexible scheduling options and maintain strong safety protocols with secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
Daycare Services:
Tiny Treasures Childcare & Learning Center
Tiny Treasures Childcare & Learning Center
Tiny Treasures offers a family-centered approach to early childhood education with a curriculum that integrates Montessori principles and traditional learning methods. The center features certified early childhood educators who provide individualized attention and track developmental milestones regularly. Their program includes language development, early math concepts, science exploration, and creative arts in well-equipped, safe classrooms. The facility maintains rigorous health and safety standards with regular cleaning protocols and emergency preparedness training. Parents appreciate the warm, supportive environment and consistent communication about their child's progress and daily activities.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lisbon, NH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lisbon, NH?
In Lisbon and the surrounding Grafton County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay between $225 and $275 per week for an infant or toddler. Licensed family childcare homes often offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $180 to $230 per week. These costs are generally in line with the New Hampshire state average, though Lisbon's more rural setting can sometimes mean slightly lower prices compared to more urban areas like Lebanon or Littleton. It's important to inquire about what is included in the weekly fee, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Additionally, New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) offers childcare financial assistance programs for eligible families to help offset these costs.
How can I find and verify licensed childcare providers in Lisbon, NH?
The primary resource for finding licensed childcare in New Hampshire is the "Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R)" network, specifically through 603 Child Care Resource & Referral. You can search their online database or call them for a personalized referral. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you must use the New Hampshire DHHS Child Care Licensing Unit's online "Child Care License Lookup" tool. This public portal allows you to see a provider's license status, capacity, age ranges served, and any history of licensing violations or complaints. For Lisbon specifically, you'll find a mix of small family childcare homes and potentially some center-based options. Always schedule an in-person visit to any potential provider to observe the environment and ask questions directly.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Lisbon, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for infant and toddler spots in the Lisbon area, reflecting a statewide shortage of available childcare, especially for children under 3. Due to the limited number of providers in this small town, it is strongly recommended that expecting parents or those planning a return to work begin their search during pregnancy or at least 6 to 12 months before they need care. For preschool-age children (3-5 years), options may be slightly more available, but starting your search 3-6 months in advance is still prudent. When contacting providers, always ask about their current waitlist length, the estimated wait time, and if there is a fee to be placed on the list. Exploring options in neighboring towns like Littleton, Bethlehem, or Sugar Hill may also be necessary.
What are the state-mandated staff-to-child ratios for childcare in New Hampshire, and how do they impact care in Lisbon?
New Hampshire has strict staff-to-child ratios that all licensed providers must follow. For infants (6 weeks to 18 months), the ratio is 1 staff member for every 4 infants. For toddlers (18-36 months), it's 1:5. For preschool-age children (3-5 years), it's 1:10. These ratios are designed to ensure safety and allow for quality interactions. In Lisbon's smaller, often home-based settings, these ratios mean that each provider can only care for a limited number of children, which contributes to the scarcity of open spots. However, it also often results in more personalized attention for your child. When touring a facility, you can and should ask how they maintain these ratios throughout the day and what their typical group sizes are.
Besides traditional daycare centers, what other childcare or early education options are available for families in Lisbon, NH?
Lisbon offers a few alternative options. The Lisbon Regional School District operates a preschool program, which may have specific age requirements and limited hours, so it's best to contact the school directly. Many families also utilize licensed family childcare homes, which provide a home-like setting with mixed-age groups, often offering more flexible hours. For occasional or part-time care, you can explore networks like Care.com or local community boards for screened babysitters, though these are not licensed childcare. Additionally, some parents in the area form or join small, cooperative playgroups or nanny shares with other families, which can be a cost-effective solution. For school-age children, the Lisbon Area Children's Center provides before and after-school care at the elementary school. Exploring options in the broader North Country region is often necessary to find the right fit.