The Best Daycare Centers in Sullivan, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sullivan. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sullivan
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Claremont provides premium early childhood education with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Features state-certified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secured entry systems, and daily electronic parent communications. Their play-based learning environment includes STEM activities, yoga, music, and art programs. Serves Sullivan families with comprehensive infant through school-age programs in a modern, purpose-built facility with age-appropriate playgrounds and enrichment programs.
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Little Schoolhouse
Independent
Family-owned childcare center serving Sullivan County with developmentally appropriate curriculum and low teacher-to-child ratios. Features Creative Curriculum with hands-on learning centers, outdoor classroom spaces, and farm-to-table nutrition program. Staff includes experienced early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. Emphasizes nature-based learning with garden activities and outdoor exploration. Maintains excellent state licensing record with comprehensive safety protocols including secure facility access and health screening procedures.
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Kiddie Academy of Claremont
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy's Life Essentials® curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, and STEM education through structured learning centers and project-based activities. Features technology-enhanced classrooms, secure keypad entry, and live streaming for parent connectivity. Staff maintains CPR/first aid certification and participates in ongoing early childhood education training. Comprehensive program includes Spanish language exposure, music enrichment, and physical development activities. Serves Sullivan area families with flexible scheduling and transportation options for school-age children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sullivan, NH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Sullivan, NH, and how can I verify a provider is licensed?
In Sullivan, 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 childcare centers. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for health and safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program curriculum. 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 only consider licensed options, as this ensures basic protections and oversight for your child. You can also contact the licensing unit directly for any concerns.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare in Sullivan, NH, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Sullivan area and surrounding Sullivan County, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly. For an infant in a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $175-$225 per week. For a childcare center, rates can be higher, often ranging from $225-$300+ per week for infants. Costs generally decrease slightly for toddlers and preschoolers. It's important to note that Sullivan is a smaller town, so some parents may need to look at providers in nearby towns like Claremont, Newport, or Keene, which can affect pricing and availability. For financial assistance, New Hampshire's Child Care Scholarship Program (CCSP) is the primary resource for eligible families. You apply through the NH Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Given Sullivan's rural nature, how can I find available daycare openings, and are waitlists common?
Due to Sullivan's rural setting and limited number of providers, finding immediate openings can be challenging. Waitlists are very common, especially for infant care, and can be several months to over a year long. The most effective strategy is to start your search early—during pregnancy is not too soon. Begin by using the NH Child Care Search online and filtering for Sullivan (04982) and surrounding zip codes. Contact every licensed provider, even if their listing says "full," to get on their waitlist. Networking through local community groups on social media (like Sullivan, NH community pages) or asking at places like the Sullivan Town Hall or the nearby Richards Free Library in Newport can also yield personal recommendations for smaller, in-home providers who may not advertise widely.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in Sullivan?
Sullivan itself does not have a public elementary school; students in grades K-8 attend the Newport School District. Therefore, before and after-school care options are primarily located in Newport. Many parents rely on programs offered directly through the Newport Elementary School or nearby licensed childcare centers and family homes in Newport that provide transportation to and from school. Some Sullivan families also utilize private babysitters or nanny shares. It's crucial to coordinate with the Newport School District administration early to get information on their specific SAU (School Administrative Unit) 43 programs and any partnered providers. Transportation from Sullivan to a Newport-based program will be a key logistical factor to plan for.
Are there any unique seasonal or part-time childcare options available for families in Sullivan?
Yes, given the agricultural and seasonal nature of the Monadnock Region, there are some unique options. During the summer, look for day camps offered by local organizations like the Newport Recreation Department or the nearby Fall Mountain Recreation Association, which may provide bus pickup points. Some local farms in the area occasionally offer summer or harvest-season childcare programs, though these are rare and fill quickly. For part-time care, your best bet is to connect with licensed family childcare homes in Sullivan or neighboring towns, as they often have more flexibility with schedules than larger centers. Be prepared that part-time spots are even scarcer than full-time ones. Clearly communicating your needed schedule (e.g., 2-3 specific days per week) when you contact providers is essential.
Childcare Insights for Sullivan
Finding reliable and affordable childcare is one of the most significant challenges for families, and if you're a parent in Sullivan, New Hampshire, searching for "cheap childcare near me," you know this search is deeply personal and local. The good news is that Sullivan and the surrounding Monadnock Region offer a variety of options that can fit different budgets and needs, though it often requires a bit of digging and local knowledge to uncover them.
A great first step is to connect with local networks that understand the landscape. The Early Childhood Education Association of the Monadnock Region is a valuable resource, though based in Keene, it serves our area with information on licensed providers and sometimes has leads on home-based daycare openings. Don't underestimate the power of the Sullivan community itself. Checking the bulletin board at the Sullivan Town Hall or the Sullivan Post Office, or joining a local Facebook group like "Sullivan, NH Community" can yield recommendations for in-home caregivers or smaller, unadvertised family daycare settings, which are often more affordable than larger centers. Word-of-mouth is incredibly powerful here, so chatting with other parents at the Sullivan Free Library or at community events can provide trusted, firsthand accounts.
When considering affordability in Sullivan, it's important to look at the broader picture. Some providers in nearby towns like Gilsum, Surry, or even Keene might offer competitive rates and could be on your commute route. Exploring options in these adjacent areas can widen your search. Additionally, understanding the different types of care is key. A licensed family childcare home in Sullivan often provides a home-like environment with mixed-age groups and can be more budget-friendly than a corporate preschool. For school-aged children, looking into the before and after-school programs offered through the SAU 29 district, which serves Sullivan students, can be a cost-effective solution that aligns perfectly with the school calendar.
Finally, always investigate financial assistance programs. New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services offers childcare assistance for qualifying families, and it's worth checking your eligibility. Some local providers may also offer sliding scale fees based on income, especially smaller, home-based operations. When you contact a potential caregiver, be upfront about your budget; sometimes flexibility in schedule, like needing care only on certain days, can lead to a more manageable arrangement. Remember, "cheap" should not mean compromising on safety or quality. Always verify that any provider you consider is either licensed or comes with sterling references from people you trust. Your peace of mind, knowing your child is in a safe and nurturing environment while you're at work, is the ultimate value, and with some community-focused searching, you can find a solution that works for your family right here in Sullivan.