The Best Daycare Centers in Newport, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Newport. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Newport
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Claremont offers a premier early childhood education program serving families in the Newport area. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression through play-based learning. The facility features bright, modern classrooms, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate playgrounds. All teachers are highly qualified with degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and character enrichment programs. Parents appreciate the daily communication through their proprietary mobile app and the nutritious meal program included in tuition.
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Little Schoolhouse
Independent
Little Schoolhouse has been serving families in the Lake Sunapee region, including Newport, for nearly two decades. This family-owned center emphasizes a balanced approach to early childhood development with a curriculum that blends structured learning with creative exploration. The facility features separate age-appropriate classrooms, large outdoor play areas with natural elements, and a comprehensive security system. Their experienced teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and focuses on individualized learning plans. The program includes music enrichment, early literacy development, and hands-on science activities. Parents consistently praise the warm, nurturing environment and the center's strong communication and community involvement.
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Kiddie Academy of Lebanon
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Lebanon provides comprehensive educational childcare services to families throughout the Upper Valley region, including Newport. Their Life Essentials® curriculum focuses on character development, academic preparation, and social-emotional learning through purposeful play and structured activities. The modern facility features secure keypad entry, video monitoring, and well-equipped classrooms with the latest educational technology. Certified teachers implement age-appropriate learning activities that include Spanish language exposure, technology integration, and physical fitness programs. The center offers flexible scheduling options and includes healthy meals and snacks in their program. Parents consistently highlight the professional staff, clean facilities, and excellent preparation for kindergarten.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Newport, NH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Newport, NH?
In Newport, NH, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of program. For licensed center-based care, you can expect to pay approximately $200 to $275 per week for an infant or toddler. Licensed family childcare homes often range from $150 to $225 per week. These rates are generally lower than in larger New Hampshire cities like Manchester or Nashua but can still represent a significant portion of a family's budget. It's important to ask providers exactly what is included in the weekly fee (e.g., meals, snacks, supplies). Additionally, New Hampshire offers financial assistance programs like the Child Care Scholarship for eligible families, which can be applied for through the Department of Health and Human Services to help offset these costs.
How can I verify that a daycare or preschool in Newport is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All childcare programs in New Hampshire, including those in Newport, must be licensed by the state's **Child Care Licensing Unit** within the Department of Health and Human Services. The most reliable way to verify a program's status and history is to use the state's official **Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Network** online search tool or contact them directly. This public database shows a provider's license status, capacity, ages served, and any serious licensing violations or corrective action plans. You can also call the Child Care Licensing Unit at (603) 271-4594 to request information. We recommend always visiting a potential daycare in person and asking the director to see their current license, which must be posted.
Are there any nature-based or outdoor-focused childcare programs available in the Newport area?
Yes, the Newport area's rural setting and proximity to natural resources like Lake Sunapee and several state parks have inspired some childcare providers to incorporate strong outdoor components. While dedicated, fully nature-based preschools (like "forest schools") are less common here than in some regions, many local family childcare homes and centers prioritize daily outdoor play and exploration in all weather. Some may have gardens, nature trails, or regular outdoor classroom time. When touring facilities, ask specifically about their daily outdoor schedule, philosophy on risky play, and how they utilize the local environment. The **Sullivan County Head Start** program, which serves the area, also emphasizes outdoor learning. Checking with local parenting groups on social media can yield specific recommendations for providers known for their outdoor focus.
What is the current waitlist situation for infant daycare spots in Newport, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited infant slots (which require a lower staff-to-child ratio), waitlists for infant care in Newport are common and can be lengthy. It is strongly advised to begin your search **during pregnancy**, ideally by the second trimester. Many families report being on multiple waitlists for 6 to 12 months. To navigate this, contact all licensed centers and family childcare homes in Newport and surrounding towns like Sunapee or Claremont. Get on their interest lists even if a formal waitlist isn't open. Be persistent with follow-up calls every few months. Exploring options like a nanny share with another local family or an in-home caregiver can be a necessary alternative while waiting for a center-based spot to open.
What resources are available in Newport for parents seeking part-time, drop-in, or emergency childcare?
Regular part-time and drop-in childcare options are very limited in Newport, as most licensed providers prioritize full-time, consistent schedules to maintain stable enrollment and income. For true emergency or occasional care, your best local resources are often informal networks. We recommend connecting with the **Family Resource Center at TLC Family Resource Center** (which serves Sullivan County) for referrals and support. They may maintain lists of approved substitute caregivers or have information on occasional "parent's night out" programs. Some local churches or community centers might offer seasonal programs. For more reliable part-time schedules (e.g., 2-3 days a week), your best chance is with a licensed family childcare home, as they sometimes have more schedule flexibility than larger centers. Always plan well ahead and have a backup plan, as last-minute care is extremely difficult to secure in this area.