The Best Daycare Centers in Harrisville, RI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Harrisville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Harrisville
Bright Horizons at Lincoln
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Lincoln is a nationally accredited childcare center serving families throughout northern Rhode Island, including Harrisville. The center features a comprehensive emergent curriculum that emphasizes play-based learning, literacy development, and STEM exploration. Highly qualified early childhood educators maintain low teacher-to-child ratios and implement developmentally appropriate practices. The facility includes secure access systems, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and age-appropriate outdoor play spaces. Bright Horizons is known for its strong parent communication system, nutritious meal program, and focus on social-emotional development through their "World at Their Fingertips" curriculum.
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The Children's Workshop - Glocester
The Children's Workshop
The Children's Workshop in Glocester serves families throughout the Harrisville area with their comprehensive early childhood programs. This Rhode Island-based chain employs state-certified teachers and implements a research-based curriculum that balances academic readiness with social development. The center features secure entry systems, modern learning environments, and structured daily schedules that include both indoor and outdoor activities. Their program emphasizes literacy development through daily reading sessions, hands-on math and science activities, and creative arts. The facility maintains excellent safety records and offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families in the Harrisville community.
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Kiddie Academy of Cumberland
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Cumberland provides high-quality educational childcare to families in northern Rhode Island, including Harrisville residents. The center implements their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum, which focuses on character development, literacy, mathematics, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences. Certified early childhood educators create individualized learning plans and maintain detailed progress reports for each child. The facility features secure access controls, age-appropriate learning centers, dedicated playgrounds, and nutritionally balanced meals prepared on-site. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, experienced staff, and comprehensive approach to early childhood development that prepares children for kindergarten success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Harrisville, RI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Harrisville, RI, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Harrisville and the surrounding Burrillville area, full-time daycare for infants (under 18 months) typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs are slightly lower, averaging $1,000 to $1,400 per month. These rates are generally in line with Rhode Island's statewide averages, though they can be lower than in more urban areas like Providence. 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, local providers may offer sibling discounts. It's recommended to contact the Burrillville Department of Human Services or the Rhode Island DHS directly to determine eligibility and apply.
How can I verify if a daycare or family childcare home in Harrisville is properly licensed by the state of Rhode Island?
All childcare programs in Rhode Island, including those in Harrisville, must be licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). You can verify a provider's license status and review their compliance history through the DCYF's online "Child Care Search" tool on their official website. This public database allows you to search by program name, location, or zip code (02830 for Harrisville) and view details such as license type (Center or Family Child Care Home), capacity, age ranges served, and any recent licensing visits or corrective actions. Always ask to see a provider's current license during your visit, and you can also call the DCYF's Office of Child Care at (401) 528-3624 for verification.
Are there many daycare options in Harrisville itself, or will I likely need to look in neighboring towns?
Harrisville, as a village within the town of Burrillville, has a limited number of dedicated daycare centers within its immediate boundaries. Most childcare options are family childcare homes or small, licensed in-home providers. For larger daycare centers, parents often look to neighboring communities such as Pascoag, Glendale, Mapleville, and even into Massachusetts towns like North Smithfield or Uxbridge, which are within a reasonable commuting distance. The Burrillville Early Childhood Center, located in Pascoag, is a notable local option. It's advisable to start your search early, as availability can be limited, and joining waitlists for preferred programs, even in nearby towns, is a common practice.
What is the typical staff-to-child ratio I should expect in a Harrisville daycare, and how does Rhode Island law regulate this?
Rhode Island DCYF sets strict staff-to-child ratios based on the age of the children. For licensed centers and homes in Harrisville, you should expect: 1 staff member for every 4 infants (6 weeks to 18 months), 1:5 for toddlers (18-36 months), and 1:8 for preschoolers (3-5 years). For family childcare homes, the ratio for mixed-age groups is typically 1:6, with no more than two children under the age of two. These ratios are state minimums; high-quality programs often maintain even better ratios. Always ask a provider about their specific ratios during tours, as this is a critical indicator of the level of individual attention and safety your child will receive.
What are some key questions to ask during a tour of a potential daycare in the Harrisville area, given the local context?
Beyond general questions, tailor your inquiries to local factors. Key questions include: 1) "What is your current waitlist timeframe, and is there a deposit to hold a spot?" (Waitlists can be several months long). 2) "How do you handle emergency closures for weather, given Burrillville's rural nature and winter snow?" 3) "Can you describe your outdoor play space and routine?" (Important in a community with access to parks and rural settings). 4) "Are you a participant in Rhode Island's Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) BrightStars?" (This state program rates program quality). 5) "What are your policies for illness, and is there a local pediatrician or clinic you coordinate with?" (Knowing local healthcare connections is valuable). Also, ask for references from other Burrillville/Harrisville parents.