The Best Daycare Centers in Pittsfield, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Pittsfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Pittsfield
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Epsom serves the Pittsfield area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. Their play-based curriculum incorporates STEAM learning, language arts, and social-emotional development. Certified teachers lead small class sizes with low student-to-teacher ratios, and the facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and regular parent communication through daily reports and digital portfolios.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center at Loudon Road
KinderCare Education
This Concord-based KinderCare serves Pittsfield families with research-based curriculum focusing on early literacy, math, science, and social skills. Their approach includes hands-on learning centers, structured play, and developmentally appropriate activities. The center maintains rigorous safety protocols including secured entrances, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. Experienced educators with early childhood credentials provide individualized attention, and the center offers nutritious meals and flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families.
Daycare Services:
Creative Kids Learning Center
Independent
Creative Kids Learning Center in Concord provides high-quality childcare serving the Pittsfield region with a play-based, emergent curriculum that follows children's interests while meeting developmental milestones. Their experienced teaching staff holds early childhood education credentials and maintains low child-to-teacher ratios. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, age-separated playgrounds, and bright, engaging classrooms filled with natural materials. They emphasize outdoor learning, creative arts, and social-emotional development while providing regular progress updates to parents through digital communication platforms.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Pittsfield, NH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Pittsfield, NH, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Pittsfield, 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 family childcare homes and center-based programs. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications, and facility safety. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the official "Child Care Search" tool on the NH DHHS website. It's highly recommended to check this database, as it shows the license type, capacity, any compliance history, and the date of the last inspection. You can also contact the DHHS Child Care Licensing Unit directly for confirmation.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare or preschool in Pittsfield, NH, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
The cost of childcare in Pittsfield and the surrounding Merrimack County area varies by type and age of child. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect an average of $180-$220 per week for an infant/toddler. Center-based preschool programs for 3-5 year-olds typically range from $160-$200 per week. These rates can be slightly lower than in larger NH cities like Concord or Manchester. For financial assistance, New Hampshire's Child Care Scholarship Program (CCSP) is the primary resource for eligible families, based on income and need. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts. It's also worth inquiring with the Pittsfield Family Resource Center, which can provide guidance on local support options and navigating state aid.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers and in-home providers in Pittsfield, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Pittsfield, waitlists for infant and toddler care can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months or more. For preschool-age children, waitlists may be shorter, typically 3-6 months. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact all licensed providers in Pittsfield and nearby towns like Barnstead, Epsom, or Chichester. Get on multiple waitlists, even if they are not your first choice. Be proactive—check in with providers every few months to confirm your spot on the list and express continued interest. Some providers may require a non-refundable deposit to hold a future spot once one is offered.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Pittsfield, NH, beyond traditional daycare centers?
Pittsfield offers a mix of childcare options suited to its small-town setting. The most common types are licensed family childcare homes, which operate out of a provider's residence and often offer a more home-like environment with mixed-age groups. There are also private preschool programs, which may operate on a part-day or school-year schedule. Given the limited number of large centers, many Pittsfield families also utilize options in neighboring towns. Another growing option is participation in a childcare cooperative or nanny-share with other local families, which can be arranged through community networks like the Pittsfield Community Facebook page or the Pittsfield Family Resource Center.
Are there any state or local resources in Pittsfield that help parents evaluate and choose quality childcare?
Yes, there are several key resources. First, the **NH Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) network**, reachable at 1-855-393-1731 or online, offers free, personalized referrals to licensed providers in Pittsfield and the region, along with guidance on what to look for in a quality program. Locally, the **Pittsfield Family Resource Center** is an invaluable hub that can connect parents with provider information and community feedback. They may also host events or have materials on choosing care. Always schedule in-person tours, ask for references from current parents, and use the NH DHHS licensing search to review inspection reports. Observing how caregivers interact with children during a visit is one of the best local evaluation tools you have.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Pittsfield: