The Best Daycare Centers in Exeter, RI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Exeter. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Exeter
The Learning Experience - Hope Valley
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Hope Valley serves the Exeter area with a comprehensive early childhood education program featuring their proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum. The center emphasizes both academic and social development through structured learning activities, character development programs, and age-appropriate technology integration. Certified teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios, and the facility includes secure entry systems, modern classrooms, and dedicated play areas. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, professional staff, and the visible developmental progress children make across all age groups.
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Little Feet Big Steps Child Care Center
Independent
Located just minutes from Exeter in Richmond, Little Feet Big Steps provides a nurturing environment with a play-based learning approach balanced with structured educational activities. The center focuses on whole-child development through hands-on learning experiences, outdoor exploration, and creative arts. Their qualified staff includes certified early childhood educators who maintain detailed progress reports and regular parent communication. The facility features age-separated classrooms, secure outdoor play spaces, and follows strict health and safety protocols that exceed state licensing requirements.
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The Children's Workshop - West Greenwich
The Children's Workshop
As part of Rhode Island's largest childcare provider, The Children's Workshop in West Greenwich serves Exeter families with a research-based curriculum that aligns with state early learning standards. The center emphasizes literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning through their proprietary "Adventures in Learning" program. Features include secure keypad entry, live streaming for parents, nutritious meal programs, and experienced teaching staff with ongoing professional development. The facility includes multiple outdoor playgrounds, dedicated infant rooms, and spacious classrooms designed for different developmental stages.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Exeter, RI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Exeter, RI, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Exeter, RI, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, while toddler and preschool programs generally cost between $1,000 and $1,400 per month. These costs are influenced by factors such as the provider's license type (family childcare home vs. center), staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities. For financial assistance, Rhode Island's Department of Human Services (DHS) administers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which provides subsidies to eligible families based on income, family size, and need. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's highly recommended to contact the DHS directly and inquire with individual providers in Exeter about their specific rates and potential openings in subsidized slots.
How can I verify if a daycare or childcare provider in Exeter is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed childcare providers in Exeter, RI, are regulated by the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history through the DCYF's online "Child Care Search" tool. This public database allows you to search by provider name, location, or type and view their current license status, capacity, ages served, and any cited regulatory violations from past inspections. You can also call the DCYF's Office of Child Care at (401) 528-3624 for assistance. Always choose a licensed provider, as this ensures they meet state-mandated standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, and program quality.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Exeter, and what strategies can I use to secure a spot for my child?
Yes, due to Exeter's more rural character and limited number of large centers, waitlists are very common, especially for infant and toddler care. It is not unusual for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long for popular programs. The best strategy is to start your search and get on multiple lists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or several months before your needed start date. Be proactive: contact both licensed childcare centers and licensed family childcare home providers in Exeter and surrounding towns like North Kingstown or West Greenwich. Follow up with providers every 2-3 months to confirm your spot on the list and express continued interest. Flexibility with your start date can also improve your chances.
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available specifically within the town of Exeter?
Exeter primarily offers two types of licensed childcare options. The first is **Licensed Family Child Care Homes**, which are small, home-based programs typically caring for 6-8 children (including the provider's own) in a mixed-age setting. These are common in Exeter's residential areas and often offer a more flexible, home-like environment. The second is **Child Care Centers**, which are larger facilities, though fewer in number in Exeter itself. These centers, often affiliated with churches or private organizations, provide structured programs for specific age groups. Due to the town's rural nature, many Exeter families also consider providers in adjacent towns. You can find a complete list of both types through the DCYF's online search tool filtered for Exeter's zip code (02822).
Does the town of Exeter offer any public preschool programs, and what are the age and eligibility requirements?
Exeter does not operate a town-run public preschool program. Public education for Exeter children begins with Kindergarten at the Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District's elementary schools. For preschool-aged children (typically 3-5 years old), parents must seek private options. These include the licensed private childcare centers and family homes mentioned in other FAQs, some of which offer structured preschool curricula. For families seeking a public option, they would need to look at neighboring districts that may have public pre-K, though these often have residency requirements. Therefore, exploring and securing a spot in a private, licensed preschool program within Exeter or a nearby community is the primary pathway for early childhood education in the area.
Childcare Insights for Exeter
Finding quality and affordable childcare is one of the most significant tasks for any family, and if you're searching for "daycare prices near me" in Exeter, Rhode Island, you know it involves balancing budget, quality, and peace of mind. Exeter, with its beautiful rural character and tight-knit community, offers a particular childcare landscape that blends home-based options with connections to nearby towns. Understanding the cost factors specific to our area can help you navigate this important decision with greater confidence.
In Exeter and the surrounding Washington County region, daycare prices are influenced by several local factors. The town's more spread-out, residential nature means there are fewer large childcare centers within the immediate town limits compared to more urban areas. Many families in Exeter utilize licensed family daycare homes, which often provide a smaller, home-like setting. These can sometimes offer a slightly more flexible rate structure, but prices are still guided by statewide standards for quality care. Currently, for full-time infant care in the Exeter area, you can expect a range that typically starts around $250 per week and can reach $350 or more per week. For toddlers and preschoolers, weekly rates often range from $200 to $300. It's important to note that these figures are estimates, and the actual cost will vary based on the provider's specific programs, hours, and included amenities like meals or curriculum.
A key consideration for Exeter parents is transportation and proximity. Given the rural layout, your search might naturally extend to neighboring communities like North Kingstown, West Greenwich, or even into South Kingstown, where you may find more center-based options. This can affect your overall cost when factoring in commute time and fuel. When contacting providers, be sure to ask detailed questions about what the weekly fee includes. Does it cover all meals and snacks? Are there extra charges for early drop-off or late pick-up, which might be crucial for a working parent's schedule? Many providers in our area operate with limited slots, so understanding their enrollment contracts and any annual registration fees is also a vital part of the financial picture.
We are fortunate in Rhode Island to have resources that can help. The state's Department of Human Services (DHS) offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, which can substantially offset weekly costs. It is always worthwhile to check your eligibility, as this support can make a wider range of quality options in Exeter accessible. Additionally, connecting with local networks can be invaluable. Consider reaching out to other parents at community spots like the Exeter Public Library or through local social media groups. Personal recommendations in a town like Exeter often lead to discovering wonderful, trusted caregivers who may not advertise widely. Remember, while price is a major factor, the true value lies in finding a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where your child can thrive. Taking the time to visit, ask questions, and trust your instincts will help you find the right fit for your family here in our Exeter community.