The Best Daycare Centers in Raymond, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Raymond. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Raymond
The Children's Center at Exeter Hospital
Exeter Health Resources
The Children's Center at Exeter Hospital is a NAEYC-accredited facility offering comprehensive early childhood education with a strong emphasis on developmental learning. Their curriculum integrates play-based learning with structured educational activities, focusing on social-emotional development, cognitive skills, and physical growth. The center features highly qualified early childhood educators with bachelor's degrees and specialized training. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and a nutrition program developed by hospital dietitians. What sets this center apart is its integration with Exeter Hospital's resources, including access to pediatric specialists and health services, creating a uniquely supportive environment for child development and family wellness.
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Primrose School of Exeter
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Exeter operates under the nationally recognized Primrose Balanced Learning® approach, combining purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, math, science, and creative arts through hands-on learning experiences. The facility features secure, state-of-the-art classrooms, dedicated outdoor learning environments, and comprehensive safety protocols including secured entry systems. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The school stands out for its structured yet flexible approach to early education, with parent communication tools that provide daily updates on child progress and activities.
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Little Blessings Early Learning Center
Independent
Little Blessings Early Learning Center is a locally owned and operated facility serving the Raymond community with a Christian-based educational approach while welcoming children of all backgrounds. Their curriculum focuses on whole-child development through structured learning centers, creative expression, and hands-on activities that build foundational academic and social skills. The center features experienced early childhood educators with low student-teacher ratios, secure indoor and outdoor play spaces, and a nurturing environment that emphasizes character development. What makes this center exceptional is its strong community involvement, family-oriented atmosphere, and commitment to providing affordable, high-quality childcare with flexible scheduling options for working families in the Raymond area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Raymond, NH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Raymond, NH, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Raymond, NH, the cost of full-time childcare varies based on the child's age and the type of program. For infants and toddlers, you can expect to pay between $250 and $350 per week. For preschool-aged children (3-5 years), costs typically range from $200 to $275 per week. These rates are generally lower than in more urban areas of New Hampshire like Manchester or Portsmouth. For financial assistance, New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) administers the Child Care Scholarship Program for eligible families based on income and need. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts. It's also worth checking with the Raymond School District for potential pre-K programs or community connections for support.
How long are waitlists for licensed daycare centers and home-based providers in Raymond, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists in Raymond can vary significantly. For the limited number of licensed daycare centers in town and the surrounding area (like those in nearby Epping or Fremont), waitlists for infant care can be 6 to 12 months long. For licensed family childcare homes within Raymond, waitlists may be shorter, often 2 to 6 months, but availability is highly dependent on the provider's current capacity. To secure a spot, start your search early—ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Contact providers directly to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee in some cases. Consider expanding your search to neighboring towns such as Candia, Chester, or Deerfield for more options.
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Raymond, and how can I verify a provider's license and compliance history?
All childcare providers in New Hampshire caring for more than three unrelated children must be licensed by the NH Department of Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing Unit. This includes both centers and family childcare homes. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, and child-to-staff ratios. To verify a provider's license and view their compliance history, you can use the "Child Care Search" tool on the NH DHHS website. This public database shows the provider's license status, capacity, any regulatory violations, and inspection reports. You can also contact the Child Care Licensing Unit directly at (603) 271-4593. Always ask to see a provider's current license during your visit.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available in the Raymond area?
Yes, the Raymond area's rural and natural setting lends itself to nature-based programming. While there may not be a dedicated "forest school" within Raymond town limits, several providers in the region incorporate significant outdoor play and learning. Some family childcare homes in Raymond have large, wooded properties used for daily exploration. Additionally, nearby programs in towns like Nottingham, Barrington, or Lee may offer more structured nature-based curricula. The Seacoast area, about a 30-minute drive, has more formal nature preschools. When touring providers in Raymond, ask specifically about their outdoor play policy, garden spaces, and how they utilize local parks like the Raymond Town Forest or Onway Lake Recreation Area.
What options exist for before and after-school care for school-age children in the Raymond School District?
For children attending Raymond schools (Lamprey River Elementary School, Iber Holmes Gove Middle School, or Raymond High School), the primary option for before and after-school care is the district's own "SAU 33 Community Programs." They typically offer a program at the elementary school for grades K-5, providing care from around 7:00 AM until school starts and from dismissal until 5:30 or 6:00 PM. Space can be limited, so early registration is advised. Some licensed family childcare homes in Raymond also offer school-age care and may provide transportation to and from school. For middle schoolers, options are more limited and often involve private babysitting arrangements or community center programs in neighboring towns. Checking with the Raymond Recreation Department for potential programs is also recommended.