The Best Daycare Centers in Springfield, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Springfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Springfield
Kiddie Academy of Claremont
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Claremont offers a comprehensive educational program with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor play areas. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The academy emphasizes health and safety protocols including rigorous cleaning procedures and secure check-in systems. Parents appreciate the strong communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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The Children's Center at Dartmouth-Hitchcock
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health
As part of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock medical system, this center maintains exceptional health and safety standards with on-site medical expertise. The program follows a research-based curriculum that emphasizes developmental milestones and school readiness. Facilities include modern classrooms, natural outdoor learning environments, and dedicated infant rooms. Staff members hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The center offers nutritional meal programs and maintains NAEYC accreditation standards, serving families throughout the Upper Valley region including Springfield.
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The Goddard School of Newport
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Newport provides a play-based learning environment with FLEX Learning Program® that balances academic preparation with social development. The facility features bright, well-equipped classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and dedicated art and music areas. All teachers are early childhood certified and participate in continuous training. The school emphasizes safety with secured entrances, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The program includes enrichment activities like yoga, Spanish, and technology education, serving families from Springfield and surrounding communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Springfield, NH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Springfield, NH, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In 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 center-based programs. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. To verify a Springfield provider's license status, you can use the official "Child Care Search" tool on the NH DHHS website. You can search by town, provider name, or license number to view their current license, any compliance history, and capacity. It's a critical first step for parents to ensure they are considering a legally operating and regulated facility.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Springfield, NH, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In the Springfield area and surrounding Sullivan County, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly. For an infant, you can expect an average range of $225 to $300 per week at a licensed center, while family childcare homes may range from $175 to $250 per week. Toddler care is typically slightly less. These rates are influenced by factors like program type, hours, and included amenities. For financial assistance, New Hampshire's Child Care Scholarship Program helps eligible working families. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (employment, education, etc.). You apply through the NH DHHS. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Springfield, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to limited childcare capacity in smaller communities like Springfield, waitlists for infant and toddler spots at preferred centers can be substantial, often ranging from 6 to 12 months or more. It is highly advisable to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, even during pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask specific questions: their current list length, estimated timeline, whether the list requires a deposit, and how often you should check in. Also, consider expanding your search to licensed family childcare homes in Springfield and neighboring towns like Sunapee or Newport, as they may have more immediate openings and offer a smaller, home-like setting.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the Springfield area?
For school-age children attending Springfield Elementary School (part of the Kearsarge Regional School District SAU 65), structured before and after-school programs may be limited directly in town. However, several options exist. Some local family childcare providers offer transportation to and from the school and provide care during those hours. Additionally, parents often look to programs in nearby larger towns like Newport or Claremont, which may have dedicated school-age childcare centers or YMCA programs. Coordinating with other parents for carpools is common. It's essential to contact providers early, as these spots are also in high demand. The school district office may also have a list of recommended providers.
Are there any unique seasonal or part-time childcare options available for families in Springfield, NH?
Yes, Springfield and the surrounding Lakes Region offer seasonal and part-time options that align with the local community. During the summer, look for day camps run by local recreation departments in neighboring towns, which often provide weekly sessions with activities. Some local family childcare providers may offer flexible or drop-in care by the day, which can be ideal for parents with variable work schedules in tourism or seasonal industries. For more structured part-time care (e.g., 2-3 days a week), your best bet is to connect directly with licensed family childcare homes, as they often have more flexibility than larger centers to accommodate non-standard schedules. Networking through local community boards or Facebook groups for Springfield can also help find smaller, informal nanny-shares or babysitting cooperatives.
Childcare Insights for Springfield
Finding reliable weekend childcare can feel like searching for a hidden treasure, especially in a close-knit community like Springfield, New Hampshire. For parents working non-traditional hours, handling weekend commitments, or simply needing a few precious hours of respite, knowing your local options is crucial. The good news is that while weekend-specific daycare centers are rare, Springfield and the surrounding Sullivan County area do offer several pathways to secure the weekend care your family needs.
Your first and most valuable resource is your network of fellow Springfield parents. Connecting through local community groups on social media or at spots like the Springfield Community Church events can yield personal recommendations for trusted babysitters or nannies who are available on Saturdays and Sundays. Many experienced caregivers in our area appreciate the extra income from weekend hours. Additionally, consider reaching out to staff or administrators at your child’s regular weekday preschool or daycare. They often know which of their employees or former clients might be interested in providing occasional weekend care, offering a sense of continuity for your child.
For more structured options, it’s worth exploring home-based family childcare providers in Springfield. Some licensed providers may offer flexible or occasional weekend care, particularly if they have existing relationships with families who have similar needs. A direct, polite inquiry can sometimes arrange a special arrangement. Furthermore, don’t overlook the nearby resources in Claremont or Newport. Some larger childcare centers in these neighboring towns may have weekend programs or can point you toward regional services. The **New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Child Care Licensing Unit** website is an essential tool for verifying the license and status of any provider you consider.
When evaluating any weekend care option in Springfield, prioritize a visit to the environment, whether it’s a home or a center. Discuss your child’s routine, ask about planned activities, and confirm their policies on outdoor play—taking advantage of our beautiful local parks like Memorial Park is a great bonus. Be clear about your scheduling needs, whether you require care every weekend or on an occasional, on-call basis. Flexibility and clear communication are key. Remember, the small-town nature of Springfield can be an advantage; a provider who is well-regarded in the community is often a wonderful find.
Securing weekend care requires a bit more legwork, but it provides invaluable peace of mind. By tapping into local networks, exploring flexible home-based care, and using state resources to ensure quality and safety, you can find a supportive solution that fits your family’s life right here in Springfield. This allows you to meet your commitments or recharge, knowing your child is in a safe and engaging environment close to home.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Springfield: