The Best Daycare Centers in Barnet, VT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Barnet. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Barnet
Barnet Preschool Cooperative
Barnet Preschool Cooperative
Barnet Preschool Cooperative is a highly-regarded parent cooperative offering play-based early childhood education in a nurturing environment. The center emphasizes hands-on learning, social-emotional development, and community involvement. With certified early childhood educators and low student-teacher ratios, children receive individualized attention. The cooperative model encourages strong parent-teacher partnerships and family engagement. The curriculum focuses on developing foundational skills through creative play, outdoor exploration, and age-appropriate academic activities in their well-equipped facility.
Daycare Services:
The Children's Castle
The Children's Castle
Located in nearby St. Johnsbury and serving the Barnet area, The Children's Castle provides comprehensive childcare services with a strong educational foundation. The center features a developmentally appropriate curriculum that balances structured learning with creative exploration. Certified teachers implement age-specific programs that promote cognitive, social, and physical development. The facility includes secure indoor learning spaces, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated areas for different age groups. They maintain excellent safety protocols, nutritious meal programs, and strong communication with parents about child progress and daily activities.
Daycare Services:
Kingdom Kids Child Care & Preschool
Kingdom Kids Child Care
Kingdom Kids Child Care & Preschool serves the Barnet community with a comprehensive early childhood program focused on whole-child development. The center employs state-certified early childhood educators who implement a research-based curriculum emphasizing literacy, math readiness, and social skills. Their facility features modern security systems, age-appropriate learning materials, and spacious outdoor play areas. The program includes regular developmental assessments, parent-teacher conferences, and individualized learning plans. Known for their warm, nurturing environment and experienced staff, they provide consistent, high-quality care with flexible scheduling options for working families.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Barnet, VT
How do I find licensed childcare providers in Barnet, VT, and what are the state's basic licensing requirements?
In Vermont, all childcare programs caring for children from more than two unrelated families must be licensed or registered. To find licensed providers in Barnet, the best resource is the state's official **Child Development Division (CDD) website**, which maintains a searchable database. You can also contact the **Northeastern Vermont Resource Center** in St. Johnsbury for local referrals. Vermont licensing requirements are rigorous and include background checks for all staff, health and safety inspections of the facility, age-appropriate curriculum planning, and specific staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants). In a rural town like Barnet, many providers are licensed family childcare homes, which offer a smaller, home-based setting.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare in Barnet and the surrounding Northeast Kingdom area?
Childcare costs in Barnet and the rural Northeast Kingdom are generally lower than in Vermont's urban centers like Burlington, but availability is a bigger challenge. For a licensed family childcare home, you can expect to pay approximately **$175 to $225 per week** for full-time infant or toddler care. For a preschool-aged child, the cost might range from **$150 to $200 per week**. It's important to note that there are very few large daycare centers in the immediate area, so most options are home-based. The state of Vermont offers financial assistance through the **Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP)** for eligible families, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Are waitlists common for daycare spots in Barnet, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, due to the limited number of providers in a small, rural community like Barnet, waitlists are very common and can be lengthy. It is strongly advised to begin your search **during pregnancy or at least 6-12 months before you need care**. Many family childcare homes in the area have only a handful of spots, and they fill up quickly, often through word-of-mouth referrals. When contacting a provider, ask directly about their current waitlist policy, estimated timeline, and if they require a deposit to hold a future spot. Expanding your search to neighboring towns like St. Johnsbury, Lyndonville, or Danville may increase your options.
What are my options for preschool or pre-kindergarten programs in Barnet?
Barnet itself has limited dedicated preschool programs. Your primary options include: 1) **Licensed family childcare homes** that offer preschool curriculum for 3-5 year-olds, 2) The **Barnet School**, part of the Blue Mountain Union School District, which may offer a public pre-kindergarten program for 4-year-olds. You must contact the school district directly for eligibility, availability, and whether it's a full-day or part-day program. 3) Looking at private preschools or Head Start programs in nearby St. Johnsbury (a 20-minute drive). Many families in rural Vermont combine a part-time preschool program with a family childcare provider to cover full-day needs.
How does Vermont's "STARS" quality rating system work, and should I prioritize STAR-rated programs in Barnet?
Vermont's **STep Ahead Recognition System (STARS)** is a voluntary quality rating and improvement system for licensed childcare programs. Programs earn a rating from 1 to 5 STARS based on criteria like staff qualifications, learning environment, and business practices. While a higher STAR rating indicates a commitment to quality, in a rural area like Barnet, your choice may be limited by availability. A 3-STAR family childcare home in Barnet is often an excellent choice. You can use the STAR rating as a helpful tool for comparison, but also schedule in-person visits, ask about the provider's experience, and trust your instincts about the environment. The CDD website lists each program's STAR level.