The Best Daycare Centers in Forestdale, RI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Forestdale. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Forestdale
The Goddard School of North Smithfield
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in North Smithfield offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. Curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, social-emotional development, and kindergarten readiness. Parents praise the consistent communication, qualified staff, and comprehensive safety protocols including secure check-in systems and rigorous cleanliness standards.
Daycare Services:
Little Sprouts Early Learning Center
Little Sprouts, LLC
Little Sprouts provides innovative early education with their proprietary "Brain Environment" curriculum that combines cognitive development with social-emotional learning. The center features bright, modern classrooms with natural light, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and age-appropriate learning materials. Their educational approach includes Reggio Emilia-inspired elements, project-based learning, and daily outdoor time. Teachers are CPR/first-aid certified and participate in ongoing professional development. The center emphasizes nutrition with chef-prepared meals and snacks included in tuition. Security features include keypad entry and comprehensive emergency protocols.
Daycare Services:
The Children's Workshop - Lincoln
The Children's Workshop
The Children's Workshop in Lincoln offers comprehensive childcare services with their proprietary "Adventures in Learning" curriculum that focuses on developmental milestones through play-based and structured activities. The center serves children from 6 weeks to 12 years and features separate learning environments for each age group, including dedicated preschool classrooms with literacy centers and STEM areas. Their qualified teaching staff maintains small class sizes and individual attention. The facility includes secure entry systems, multiple playgrounds, and indoor gross motor spaces. Parents appreciate the consistent daily communication, experienced leadership team, and strong focus on school readiness skills.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Forestdale, RI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Forestdale, RI?
In Forestdale and the surrounding Providence County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,800 per month for infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,500 per month. Home-based family childcare providers in Forestdale often offer slightly lower rates, generally between $800 to $1,300 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Rhode Island offers financial assistance programs like the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, which can help offset these expenses.
How do I verify that a daycare in Forestdale is properly licensed and what should I look for in state inspections?
All childcare programs in Rhode Island must be licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Care. You can verify a Forestdale provider's license status and review their inspection reports online through the DHS "Check a Child Care Provider" portal. When reviewing inspection reports, look for compliance in key health and safety areas: staff background checks (BCI), current CPR/first-aid certifications, safe sleep practices for infants, child-to-staff ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), and documentation of emergency drills. A clean record with minor or no violations is ideal. You can also contact the DHS directly for more information.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Forestdale, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care slots in Forestdale and the greater Smithfield/North Providence region. Due to high demand and limited infant slots (driven by strict 1:4 staff-to-child ratios), it is strongly advised to begin your search during pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester. For toddler or preschool-age openings, starting 6-9 months in advance is recommended. When contacting centers, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee, how often they update families, and estimated timeline. Exploring multiple options, including licensed family childcare homes, which may have shorter waitlists, is a practical strategy.
What are some of the local resources for finding and comparing childcare options in Forestdale?
The primary resource for Rhode Island families is **"Finding Child Care RI,"** the state's official referral service managed by the nonprofit organization *Children's Friend*. You can use their website or call their hotline for a personalized referral list of licensed providers in Forestdale and nearby zip codes (02824, 02917). Additionally, local community hubs like the **Smithfield Public Library** often have bulletin boards with provider flyers. For parent reviews and insights, local Facebook groups such as "Smithfield, RI Community" or "North Providence Moms" can be valuable for gathering personal recommendations and experiences with specific Forestdale-area providers.
What unique programs or features should I look for in Forestdale daycares that align with Rhode Island's early learning standards?
Look for programs that actively incorporate Rhode Island's Early Learning and Development Standards (RIELDS). High-quality Forestdale daycares will have a curriculum that promotes development across all domains: language, cognitive, social-emotional, and physical. Specifically, ask about outdoor play and nature-based learning, which is supported by Rhode Island's initiatives like "Lively Minds." Many local providers also participate in the state's **Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)**, called BrightStars. A higher BrightStars rating (3, 4, or 5 stars) indicates a program that exceeds basic licensing requirements. Some centers may also offer enrichment aligned with local culture, such as activities related to Rhode Island's maritime history or community visits to places like the Smithfield Apple Barn.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Forestdale: