The Best Daycare Centers in Strafford, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Strafford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Strafford
The Goddard School of Dover
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Dover offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and arts, delivered by qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They emphasize STEAM learning, character development, and provide nutritious meals. The school maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and has comprehensive safety protocols including background-checked staff and emergency preparedness plans.
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Primrose School of Dover
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Dover provides Balanced Learning® approach that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and life skills. Their accredited curriculum includes literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and foreign language exposure. The school features purpose-built classrooms, secure environments with keypad entry, and outdoor learning spaces. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, social-emotional development, and partners with parents through regular communication and progress updates. They offer balanced nutrition and maintain rigorous health and safety standards.
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Little Sprouts Early Education & Child Care
Little Sprouts LLC
Little Sprouts in Dover offers an innovative curriculum called Connect4Learning that integrates literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional learning. Their approach emphasizes project-based learning and individualized development plans for each child. The facility includes modern classrooms, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and secure outdoor playgrounds. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the center maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. They focus on creating nurturing environments that foster curiosity and independence while implementing comprehensive safety protocols including secure check-in systems and regular safety drills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Strafford, NH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool for an infant or toddler in Strafford, NH?
In Strafford and the surrounding Seacoast region of New Hampshire, childcare costs are moderately high, reflecting both demand and operational costs. For full-time infant care (6 weeks to 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800 per month. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. These rates are for licensed centers and home-based programs. Costs can be slightly lower for family childcare homes in more rural parts of Strafford. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition (e.g., meals, diapers, wipes, curriculum materials). We recommend contacting providers directly for their current rates and inquiring about any available slots or waitlist fees.
How do I find and verify licensed childcare providers in Strafford, NH?
The State of New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Child Care Licensing Unit, is the primary resource. You can use their online "Child Care Search" tool to find licensed centers and family childcare homes by city, including Strafford. This tool allows you to verify a provider's license status, capacity, and any history of licensing violations. You can also contact the Strafford County Child Care Resource & Referral agency (CCR&R), which serves the area, for personalized referrals and guidance. Always visit a potential provider in person, ask for references from other parents, and confirm their license is current and in good standing. Licensing ensures basic health, safety, and staff qualification standards are met.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Strafford, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for infant and toddler care slots in Strafford and throughout the Seacoast region. Due to high demand and limited capacity, especially for children under 3, it is not unusual for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. For families expecting a child or planning to return to work, we strongly recommend beginning your search and getting on waitlists during your second trimester of pregnancy, if not earlier. For preschool-age children (3-5 years), options may be more available, but it's still wise to start looking at least 3-6 months before you need care. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is standard practice.
What are the main types of childcare options available to families in Strafford, NH?
Families in Strafford typically have three main licensed options: 1) **Child Care Centers**: These are larger facilities, often with structured curricula, multiple classrooms, and more staff. Examples might be centers in nearby towns like Barrington or Dover that serve the Strafford area. 2) **Family Child Care Homes**: A provider cares for a smaller group of children (up to 6, with variations) in their own licensed home. This option is common in Strafford's more residential areas and can offer a home-like environment with mixed-age groups. 3) **Preschool Programs**: Often part-day programs for children ages 3-5, which may be housed in community centers, churches, or private schools. Additionally, some families use **licensed plus-license-exempt providers** (caring for 3 or fewer children) or nanny shares, though these are not regulated by the state.
Does Strafford, NH, have any public preschool programs or financial assistance for childcare?
The town of Strafford itself does not operate a public preschool program. However, the Strafford School District (SAU 44) provides special education services for qualifying preschoolers. For general education, parents typically rely on the private options listed above. For financial assistance, New Hampshire's **Child Care Scholarship (CCS)** program is the primary resource for eligible families. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You apply through the NH DHHS. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. We recommend contacting the NH Child Care Resource & Referral network for the most current information on assistance programs and eligibility requirements specific to Strafford County.
Childcare Insights for Strafford
Finding quality infant child care is one of the most significant decisions new parents face, and if you're searching for "infant child care near me" in Strafford, New Hampshire, you're likely seeking a nurturing, safe, and reliable environment for your little one. The search can feel overwhelming, but understanding the local landscape in Strafford and the surrounding Seacoast region can help you navigate your options with greater confidence. Strafford’s charming, community-oriented character is a wonderful backdrop for this important journey, and many local providers reflect that same warm, personal touch.
Given Strafford’s more rural setting, your search will likely include a mix of licensed family child care homes within the town itself and larger child care centers in nearby communities like Barrington, Rochester, or Dover. This is a key local consideration: be prepared to expand your search radius slightly. Many families in Strafford find that the commute to a center in a neighboring town is well worth it for the right program. When researching, prioritize providers licensed by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, which ensures they meet state standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, and health protocols—especially crucial for infant care.
A practical first step is to connect with local networks. The Strafford community is tight-knit, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from other parents at the town library, community events, or through local online groups. These personal referrals can be invaluable. Additionally, utilize the state’s official resource, New Hampshire Child Care Search, to find licensed providers filtered by location, age group, and openings. It’s important to start this process early, as infant spots, particularly in high-quality settings, are often limited and have waitlists.
When you visit potential providers, whether a cozy home setting in Strafford or a center in a nearby town, focus on the specifics of infant care. Observe how caregivers interact with the babies—are they engaged, responsive, and speaking to them during routines like diaper changes and feedings? Inquire about their philosophy on primary caregiving, where one teacher is mainly responsible for your infant to build a secure attachment. Ask detailed questions about daily schedules, how they track and communicate about your baby’s milestones, feeding, and sleeping, and their policies for health and safety, including illness protocols. For Strafford parents, also consider practicalities like the provider’s hours relative to your commute and their policies for closures during inclement weather, which can impact rural roads.
Remember, the right fit will give you peace of mind. You should feel that the environment is not only safe and stimulating but also a place where your family’s values are respected. Trust your instincts during visits; your comfort and your baby’s potential comfort in that space are paramount. By combining thorough research with these local insights, you can find an infant care solution in the Strafford area that supports your child’s earliest development and allows you to feel confident and reassured throughout your day.