The Best Daycare Centers in Nottingham, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Nottingham. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Nottingham
Kiddie Academy of Bedford
Kiddie Academy
Kiddie Academy of Bedford is a highly-regarded childcare center known for its Life Essentials® curriculum, which emphasizes academic readiness, social-emotional development, and character education. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, low student-to-teacher ratios, and a safe, nurturing environment with secure entry systems and daily cleanliness protocols. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and technology-enhanced learning tools. Parents praise its structured daily routines, nutritious meal programs, and strong communication through a dedicated parent app. It serves families in the Nottingham area with flexible scheduling and a focus on holistic child development.
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KinderCare Learning Center - Rochester
KinderCare Education
KinderCare in Rochester offers a research-based curriculum that aligns with New Hampshire early learning standards, focusing on literacy, math, science, and creative arts. The center boasts experienced staff with CPR and First Aid certifications, along with ongoing professional development. Safety is prioritized through coded entry systems, regular drills, and health screenings. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, interactive learning centers, and fenced playgrounds. Parent satisfaction stems from its inclusive environment, progress reports, and partnerships with local schools, making it a reliable option for Nottingham families seeking quality care and educational enrichment.
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The Children's Center of Strafford County
Non-profit Organization
The Children's Center of Strafford County is a non-profit facility acclaimed for its play-based and developmental approach, integrating HighScope and Creative Curricula to foster independence and critical thinking. Staff include degreed early childhood educators with specialized training in trauma-informed care and inclusion practices. The center emphasizes safety with monitored access, allergy-aware policies, and USDA-approved meals. Features include sensory rooms, outdoor nature exploration areas, and family engagement programs. Highly rated for its compassionate care and affordability, it serves a diverse community, including Nottingham residents, with sliding-scale fees and strong parent-teacher partnerships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Nottingham, NH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Nottingham, NH, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Nottingham, New Hampshire, 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 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 facility's license status, you can use the "Child Care Search" tool on the NH DHHS website. This public database allows you to search by town, provider name, or license number, and view their licensing history, including any compliance reports or violations. It's a crucial first step for parents to ensure they are considering a legally operating and regulated program.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Nottingham, NH?
The cost of childcare in Nottingham, NH, is generally in line with regional averages for Rockingham County. For full-time care (approximately 40-50 hours per week), parents can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month for infant care at a licensed center. Family childcare homes may offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $900 to $1,300 per month. Costs for toddlers are often 5-15% less. These rates can vary based on the program's amenities, staff credentials, and included services like meals or curriculum. It's important to note that New Hampshire offers financial assistance through the Child Care Scholarship Program for eligible families, which can significantly offset these costs. Contacting providers directly for their current fee schedules is recommended.
Are there any state or local programs in Nottingham that help with childcare costs or provide preschool options?
Yes, there are several key programs available to Nottingham residents. At the state level, the **New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship** (formerly the Child Care Development Fund) provides financial assistance to income-eligible working families. Applications are processed through the DHHS. For preschool education, Nottingham participates in the state's **Preschool Development Grant** initiatives, which some local providers may utilize to offer enhanced programs. Additionally, the Nottingham School District offers a **public preschool program** for children ages 3-5, which may have limited slots and specific eligibility criteria; contacting the Nottingham Elementary School directly is essential. Exploring partnerships between local family childcare networks and these state grants can also uncover subsidized or sliding-scale fee options in the area.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in the Nottingham area, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to high demand and limited supply, especially for infant care, waitlists at popular licensed centers and family childcare homes in and around Nottingham can be significant. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, particularly for infant rooms. 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-$100). Follow up politely every few months to confirm your spot. Consider expanding your search radius to nearby towns like Northwood, Deerfield, or Epping for more options. Being flexible with your desired start date can also help. Registering with the state's "Help Me Grow NH" resource line can provide additional leads.
What are the key differences between a licensed family childcare home and a childcare center in Nottingham, and how do I decide which is right for my child?
The two main licensed options in Nottingham offer distinct environments. A **Licensed Family Childcare Home** operates in the provider's residence, caring for a smaller, mixed-age group (up to 6-12 children, depending on license type). This often provides a home-like, flexible setting with potentially more individualized attention and consistent caregivers. A **Childcare Center** is a facility dedicated solely to childcare, with separate classrooms by age, multiple staff, and often a more structured curriculum and schedule. Centers may have more resources and amenities (e.g., larger playgrounds, commercial kitchens). When deciding, consider your child's temperament, your schedule (as homes may offer more flexible or extended hours), and your priorities for socialization, structure, and environment. Tour both types, ask about staff turnover (which can be lower in homes), and check their respective licenses and inspection reports through the NH DHHS portal.