The Best Daycare Centers in North Providence, RI
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in North Providence. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in North Providence
The Children's Workshop - North Providence
The Children's Workshop
The Children's Workshop is a highly-regarded regional chain with a strong educational curriculum focused on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning. Their North Providence location features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education degrees, low student-to-teacher ratios, and comprehensive safety protocols including secure entry systems. The center offers age-appropriate learning environments with dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, and preschool classrooms with structured curriculum. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through digital platforms, and extensive outdoor play areas. Their educational approach emphasizes social-emotional development alongside academic readiness.
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Bright Horizons at Providence
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons is a nationally recognized leader in early childhood education with their Providence location serving the North Providence area. The center features an emergent curriculum called The World at Their Fingertips, which combines child-directed and teacher-guided learning experiences. Their highly qualified staff includes teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure access systems, comprehensive health and safety protocols, and developmentally appropriate classrooms with natural lighting. They emphasize literacy development, mathematics, science exploration, and social skills through hands-on learning centers. The center also offers enrichment programs including music, movement, and gardening activities.
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Little Learners Child Care Center
Little Learners Child Care Centers
Little Learners Child Care Center in nearby Johnston serves the North Providence community with a play-based educational approach grounded in developmentally appropriate practices. The center features certified early childhood educators with specialized training in infant/toddler development and preschool education. Their curriculum focuses on literacy development through the Heggerty Phonemic Awareness program and mathematics through hands-on manipulatives. The facility includes secure entry systems, comprehensive safety protocols, and spacious indoor and outdoor play areas. They emphasize social-emotional learning through the Conscious Discipline framework and maintain strong parent partnerships with daily communication and regular progress updates. The center is known for its warm, nurturing environment and individualized attention to each child's developmental needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in North Providence, RI
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in North Providence, RI?
In North Providence, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For center-based care, infant care (6 weeks to 18 months) typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month, while toddler care (18 months to 3 years) often costs between $1,200 and $1,600 per month. Licensed family childcare homes are generally more affordable, averaging $900 to $1,300 monthly for full-time care. These rates 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 significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How do I verify that a daycare in North Providence is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All licensed childcare programs in North Providence are regulated by the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Care. You can verify a program's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history through the DHS online "Child Care Search" portal. During an in-person tour, look for the current license displayed, ask about staff qualifications (RI requires lead teachers to have at least a Child Development Associate credential or higher), observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment, check for secure outdoor play areas, and inquire about their emergency procedures. North Providence facilities must adhere to strict state ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants) and safety codes.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in North Providence, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many daycare centers in North Providence, especially for infant spots, which are in high demand due to limited capacity. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-9 months before their needed start date. For toddler or preschool openings, 3-6 months of lead time is advisable. Some popular centers may have waitlists exceeding a year. To improve your chances, consider applying to multiple centers and including both center-based and licensed family home providers in your search. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is typical in the area.
What resources are available in North Providence to help me find and compare local childcare options?
North Providence parents have several key local resources. The primary resource is **BrightStars**, Rhode Island's quality rating and improvement system for childcare. Their website allows you to search for and compare programs in North Providence by location, age group, and star rating (1-5 stars). Additionally, you can contact the **Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS)** for a referral list. For personalized assistance, consider reaching out to **The Rhode Island Parent Information Network (RIPIN)**, which offers free support and guidance in navigating childcare choices and subsidy applications. The North Providence Public Library and community centers may also have bulletin boards with information on local family childcare providers.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in North Providence?
For school-age children (Kindergarten through 5th grade), North Providence offers several options. The **North Providence School Department** typically runs extended day programs at the elementary schools, providing care before school (from around 7:00 AM) and after school until approximately 5:30 PM. These programs often include homework help and recreational activities. Additionally, local community centers like the **North Providence Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Rhode Island** offer after-school programs with transportation from school. Some private daycare centers and licensed family homes also offer school-age slots, including coverage for school holidays and summer breaks. It's crucial to inquire about registration timelines, as these programs also fill quickly.
Nearby Cities
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