The Best Daycare Centers in Madison, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Madison. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Madison
The Children's Center at Madison
Independent
The Children's Center at Madison is a highly-regarded nonprofit childcare center offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. They feature a play-based curriculum that incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities tailored to each age group. The center employs state-certified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, ensuring personalized attention. Their facility includes secure indoor learning environments and extensive outdoor play areas with nature-based learning opportunities. The center emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness skills, with strong parent communication through daily updates and regular conferences. They maintain excellent safety protocols including secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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Kids' World Early Learning Center
Independent
Located in nearby North Conway, Kids' World serves families throughout the Mount Washington Valley including Madison. This center offers a structured educational program blending Montessori principles with traditional early childhood education. Their curriculum focuses on literacy development, mathematical thinking, and social skills through hands-on learning centers. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, a large outdoor playground with natural elements, and dedicated art and music areas. Staff members hold early childhood credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The center is known for its nutritious meal program and strong emphasis on creating a nurturing, inclusive environment. Parents consistently praise the center's communication and the visible developmental progress in children.
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Starting Points Early Learning Center
Starting Points Network
Starting Points Early Learning Center in Conway serves the broader Mount Washington Valley region including Madison families. This center operates as part of a respected regional network focused on high-quality early childhood education. They implement the Creative Curriculum system, which is research-based and developmentally appropriate, with assessment tools to track each child's progress. The facility includes modern classrooms with natural lighting, a commercial kitchen providing healthy meals, and secure outdoor play spaces designed for different age groups. Their staff includes experienced early childhood professionals with degrees and specialized training in child development. The center emphasizes parent partnerships and offers flexible scheduling options. They maintain excellent safety records with comprehensive emergency preparedness plans and regular safety drills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Madison, NH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Madison, NH, and how can I verify a provider's license?
In Madison, NH, all childcare providers caring for three or more unrelated children must be licensed by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Child Care Licensing Unit. This includes both 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 provider's license status, you can use the official "Child Care Search" tool on the NH DHHS website. This database allows you to search by town (Madison) and view the provider's license type, capacity, any compliance history, and the date of their last inspection. It's a crucial first step in your search for a safe and regulated environment.
What is the typical cost range for full-time infant and toddler daycare in Madison, NH?
Childcare costs in Madison, NH, are generally reflective of the broader Carroll County and Lakes Region area. For full-time care (approximately 40-50 hours per week), parents can expect to pay between $225 and $325 per week for an infant in a licensed family childcare home. Toddler care in the same setting typically ranges from $200 to $275 per week. Childcare centers in the region, which may be located in nearby towns like Conway or Ossipee, often have higher rates, sometimes reaching $350+ per week for infants. It's important to note that these are estimates, and rates can vary based on the provider's experience, program offerings, and included amenities (like meals). We recommend contacting providers directly for their current fee schedules.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with childcare costs for families in Madison?
Yes, eligible families in Madison can apply for financial assistance through the New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. This state-funded program helps low and moderate-income families pay for childcare so parents can work, attend job training, or pursue education. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care. Additionally, some local organizations and community action partnerships serving Carroll County may offer limited support or sliding scale fees. The first step is to contact the DHHS Office of Economic Stability or apply online through the NH EASY portal. Many licensed providers in Madison are familiar with the CCS program and can accept scholarship payments.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers and popular in-home providers in the Madison area, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to high demand and limited provider capacity in Madison and surrounding towns, waitlists are common, especially for infant care. For sought-after family childcare homes or centers in the region, waitlists can be 6 to 12 months long, or even longer. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$75). Be proactive and check in every few months to confirm your spot. Also, consider expanding your search to neighboring communities like Eaton, Tamworth, or Conway, understanding that commute logistics will be a factor. Flexibility on your start date can also be advantageous.
What are the options for part-time, drop-in, or after-school care for school-aged children in Madison?
For school-aged children, options in Madison itself are more limited than for younger children. The primary resource is often the Madison Elementary School, which may offer or be aware of before and after-school programs. For more structured part-time or drop-in care, parents frequently look to nearby population centers. The Conway Recreation Department and various private organizations in the Conway/North Conway area (about a 20-minute drive) often run robust after-school and vacation camp programs. Some licensed family childcare providers in Madison may also offer before/after-school transportation and care for a small number of children. For occasional drop-in care, networks like Care.com or local Facebook community groups for Madison/NH are commonly used to find vetted babysitters, as formal drop-in daycare centers are scarce in this rural region.