The Best Daycare Centers in Warner, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Warner. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Warner
The Goddard School of Concord
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Concord offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) concepts through hands-on activities. All lead teachers have bachelor's degrees or higher in education or related fields, and the facility features secure entry systems, daily cleanliness protocols, and age-appropriate learning environments. The school emphasizes social-emotional development and provides regular progress updates to parents through the proprietary Goddard Connect app.
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Kiddie Academy of Concord
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Concord provides comprehensive educational child care with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and school readiness. The academy features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Their program includes technology integration, foreign language exposure, and health and fitness activities. Teachers receive ongoing professional development and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility includes dedicated age-appropriate classrooms, indoor gross motor spaces, and secure outdoor playgrounds with safety surfacing.
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Creative Kids Preschool
Independent
Creative Kids Preschool offers a nurturing, play-based learning environment with a strong focus on social-emotional development and kindergarten readiness. Their curriculum incorporates the Creative Curriculum® framework with thematic units that integrate literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The school maintains small class sizes with certified early childhood educators who provide individualized attention. The facility features bright, well-organized classrooms, extensive learning centers, and a secure outdoor nature-based play area. Parents receive regular communication through daily reports and parent-teacher conferences, and the program emphasizes community involvement and character education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Warner, NH
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Warner, NH, and how do I find them?
In Warner, NH, licensed childcare options primarily include licensed family childcare homes (operated in a provider's residence, typically for smaller groups) and licensed child care centers. Warner is a smaller town, so family-based programs are common and offer a home-like setting. To find licensed providers, the most reliable resource is the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Child Care Licensing Unit. You can search their online database for licensed providers in Merrimack County or specifically by Warner's ZIP code (03278). Additionally, local resources like the Warner Town Hall bulletin board, the Warner Community Power Facebook group, and word-of-mouth referrals from other parents are invaluable for discovering both licensed and potential license-exempt options in the area.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Warner, and are there any financial assistance programs?
In Warner and the surrounding Merrimack County area, full-time daycare for an infant can average between $250 to $350 per week, while toddler care may range from $225 to $300 per week. Costs can vary based on the type of program (center vs. home-based), the provider's experience, and included amenities. For financial assistance, New Hampshire's Child Care Scholarship Program (commonly known as the "Child Care Assistance" program) is available for eligible families based on income, household size, and need (such as employment or education). You apply through the NH DHHS. Furthermore, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or flexible payment plans. It's also worth inquiring with providers about any potential slots funded by state pre-kindergarten initiatives for older toddlers.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers or popular in-home providers in Warner, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to Warner's rural nature and limited number of providers, waitlists for desirable licensed childcare, especially for infants, can be significant—often ranging from 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. Popular in-home providers may have even shorter, more sporadic openings. To secure a spot, it's crucial to plan ahead. Start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple providers to get on their waitlists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee if required. Maintain regular, polite check-ins (every 2-3 months) to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search radius to neighboring towns like Bradford, Hopkinton, or Henniker, but be mindful of the commute.
What are New Hampshire's key licensing requirements for childcare providers that I should look for as a parent in Warner?
As a parent in Warner, you should ensure any provider you consider is licensed by the State of New Hampshire, which mandates health, safety, and quality standards. Key requirements include: background checks for all staff, age-appropriate child-to-staff ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers), annual training in topics like CPR/First Aid and child development, safe sleep practices for infants, and regular facility inspections for health and safety. Licensed providers must also have a program of activities that supports child development. You can verify a provider's license status and view any compliance history through the NH DHHS Child Care Licensing website. Don't hesitate to ask a provider directly for their license number and to see their most recent inspection report.
Are there any unique childcare options or resources in Warner that cater to the needs of a rural, small-town community?
Yes, Warner's small-town community fosters some unique childcare resources. Many families utilize informal, license-exempt "family, friend, and neighbor" (FFN) care, which is common in rural areas. The Warner Public Library often hosts free storytimes and playgroups, which can be great for socializing children and networking with other parents to find care leads. For preschool-aged children, the Warner Cooperative Preschool is a well-regarded, parent-involved program. Additionally, some local farms or nature-based programs in the surrounding area may offer seasonal or part-day outdoor-focused childcare, aligning with the region's rural character. Connecting with the Warner Mothers' Club (or similar local groups) can provide insider information on trusted caregivers and shared nanny arrangements that some families use to make childcare more accessible and affordable.