The Best Daycare Centers in Arlington, VT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Arlington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Arlington
Fisher Elementary School Pre-K Program
Battenkill Valley Supervisory Union
Fisher Elementary's Pre-K program offers a comprehensive early childhood education experience within the public school system. The program focuses on school readiness through play-based learning, social-emotional development, and structured academic preparation. Certified early childhood educators provide individualized attention with small class sizes, following Vermont's Early Learning Standards. The facility includes dedicated preschool classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and access to school resources like the library and gym. What makes this program stand out is its integration with the elementary school, providing a smooth transition to kindergarten and strong community connections.
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The Children's Room
Independent
The Children's Room in nearby Manchester Center serves Arlington families with a Montessori-inspired approach to early childhood education. The center features mixed-age classrooms that promote peer learning and individualized development. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, practical life skills, and natural exploration. The facility includes secure outdoor play spaces, organic garden areas, and thoughtfully designed indoor environments. Staff includes certified Montessori teachers and early childhood specialists with low child-to-teacher ratios. The center is particularly noted for its emphasis on nature-based education and strong parent communication system.
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Kiddie Kampus Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Kampus in Bennington serves the broader Arlington area with a comprehensive childcare program built on Creative Curriculum foundations. The center offers age-specific classrooms with developmentally appropriate learning centers, emphasizing literacy, STEM exploration, and social skills. Their experienced teaching staff maintains Vermont's highest childcare licensing standards with ongoing professional development. The facility features secure access systems, modern playground equipment, and dedicated infant and toddler wings. What distinguishes Kiddie Kampus is their extensive enrichment programs including music, movement, and foreign language exposure, plus flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Arlington, VT
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Arlington, VT, and how can I verify a facility is in good standing?
In Vermont, all childcare programs caring for more than one unrelated family must be licensed or registered with the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF), Child Development Division. This includes family childcare homes, centers, and preschools. Licensing ensures providers meet health, safety, and program quality standards, including staff background checks, child-to-staff ratios, and safe environments. To verify a provider's status in Arlington, you can use the State's online "Child Care Consumer Education" search tool on the DCF website. You can also contact the local DCF office directly to ask about a specific program's licensing history and any recent compliance issues.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers and preschools in the Arlington area, and when should I start looking?
Due to limited capacity in a small town like Arlington, waitlists for licensed childcare, especially for infants and toddlers, can be significant. It is not uncommon for popular local centers or highly-regarded family childcare homes to have waitlists of 6 months to over a year. For infant care, we strongly recommend starting your search during pregnancy. For preschool slots (ages 3-5), inquire at least 9-12 months before your desired start date. Be proactive: get on multiple lists, follow up periodically, and consider expanding your search to neighboring towns like Manchester, Sunderland, or Shaftsbury for more options.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in Arlington, VT?
Childcare costs in Arlington are generally reflective of Vermont's high costs, though slightly lower than in more tourist-centric towns like Manchester. For 2024, parents can expect to pay approximately $225 to $325 per week for full-time infant or toddler care in a licensed family childcare home. Center-based care tends to be at the higher end of that range or slightly above. Vermont offers financial assistance through the Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) for eligible families based on income and need. We recommend contacting the local Parent Child Center or the DCF office to determine your eligibility and get help with the application process.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available in Arlington?
Yes, Arlington's rural setting in the Battenkill Valley makes it an ideal location for nature-based learning. While specific program philosophies vary, several local providers and nearby centers incorporate significant outdoor play and exploration into their daily routines, taking advantage of Vermont's landscape. Some may follow a "forest school" or outdoor preschool model part-time. When touring facilities, ask about their daily outdoor time policy, their use of natural materials, and if they have dedicated outdoor classrooms or access to trails. This emphasis on outdoor play is a common and valued feature of early childhood education in our region.
What resources are available in Arlington to help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Your primary local resource is the **Building Bright Futures (BBF) Regional Council** for the Bennington County region. They provide free, personalized childcare referrals and can help you navigate options in Arlington and the surrounding area. You can contact them via the statewide BBF website or through the Bennington County Early Childhood Directory. Additionally, the **Arlington Common** community center may have information on local family networks and parent groups where you can get personal recommendations. For evaluating quality, look for providers participating in Vermont's **STep Ahead Recognition System (STARS)**, a voluntary quality rating system that goes beyond basic licensing.
Nearby Cities
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