The Best Daycare Centers in Madbury, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Madbury. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Madbury
KinderCare Learning Center at Dover
KinderCare Education
This highly-rated KinderCare center serves the Madbury area with comprehensive early childhood education programs. They follow a research-based curriculum focusing on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. Features include dedicated infant rooms with primary caregivers, age-appropriate learning centers, and secure facilities with keypad entry. Teachers maintain state-mandated ratios and participate in ongoing professional development. The center offers nutritious meals and snacks, outdoor playgrounds for all age groups, and flexible scheduling options for working families.
Daycare Services:
The Children's Center of the Seacoast
Independent Nonprofit
This NAEYC-accredited center provides high-quality early education serving Madbury and surrounding communities. Their play-based curriculum emphasizes social development, creativity, and kindergarten readiness. Features include low teacher-child ratios, degreed lead teachers, and comprehensive assessment tracking. The facility includes secure classrooms, natural outdoor play spaces, and developmentally appropriate materials. Parents praise the strong communication, experienced staff, and nurturing environment that supports each child's individual growth and development.
Daycare Services:
University of New Hampshire Child Study and Development Center
University of New Hampshire
As part of UNH's College of Health and Human Services, this nationally recognized laboratory school serves Madbury families with research-based early childhood education. The program blends best practices in child development with ongoing research, featuring Reggio Emilia-inspired classrooms, natural outdoor environments, and highly qualified teaching staff including master's level educators. The center maintains exceptional teacher-child ratios and provides comprehensive documentation of children's learning. Families benefit from the university's resources, extensive parent education programs, and commitment to inclusive, developmentally appropriate practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Madbury, NH
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available for families in Madbury, NH?
In Madbury, parents typically have access to three main types of licensed childcare. First, licensed family childcare homes, which are small, home-based settings often caring for a limited number of children (typically 6-10) and can offer a more intimate, family-like environment. Second, there are childcare centers, which are larger facilities; while Madbury itself is a small town, many families utilize centers in nearby Dover, Durham, or Portsmouth. Third, Madbury is part of the Oyster River Cooperative School District, which may offer preschool programs at the elementary school level. All licensed providers in New Hampshire are regulated by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Child Care Licensing Unit, which ensures they meet health, safety, and staff qualification standards.
How can I find and verify the license of a daycare provider in Madbury?
The State of New Hampshire provides a crucial online resource called "NH Child Care Search." You can access this public database through the NH DHHS website to search for all licensed and license-exempt providers by town, including Madbury. This tool allows you to view a provider's licensing status, capacity, ages served, and any licensing history or compliance reports. It's highly recommended to cross-reference this official information with personal visits and references. For Madbury-specific inquiries, you can also contact the DHHS Child Care Licensing Unit's regional office that covers Strafford County for additional verification or to ask about a provider's record.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in the Madbury area, and are there financial assistance programs?
Childcare costs in the Madbury area are influenced by the broader Seacoast region's higher cost of living. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $250-$350 per week for infant care. Center-based care in nearby cities like Dover or Durham typically ranges from $300 to $450+ per week for infants. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through the New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship Program (formerly the Child Care Assistance Program). Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees. It's advisable to apply for assistance through NH DHHS and discuss options directly with potential providers.
Are waitlists common for daycare spots in Madbury, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for quality childcare, especially for infant spots, in Madbury and the surrounding Seacoast towns. Due to the town's small size and limited number of providers, availability is often constrained. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search during pregnancy, ideally 6 to 12 months before their needed start date. For popular centers in neighboring Dover or Durham affiliated with the university, waitlists can be a year or longer. When contacting providers, always ask about their current waitlist length, the process for getting on it (e.g., if a fee is required), and how often they update families on their status.
What are some local resources or networks for parents to get referrals and recommendations for childcare in Madbury?
Beyond online state databases, local networking is key in a small community like Madbury. A primary resource is the "Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R)" service provided by 603 Child Care Now (formerly Child Care Aware of NH). They offer free, personalized referrals for Strafford County. The Madbury Town Hall or the Madbury Public Library may also have community bulletin boards with local provider information. Connecting with other parents through the Oyster River Parents & Kids Facebook group or community events at the Madbury Church or Town Hall can yield valuable word-of-mouth recommendations, which are often the most trusted source in tight-knit areas.