The Best Daycare Centers in Cambridge, VT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Cambridge. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Cambridge
Cambridge Early Learning Center
Independent
Cambridge Early Learning Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. The center features a play-based curriculum that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. Their qualified educators maintain low teacher-to-child ratios and focus on individualized attention. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments and safe outdoor play areas. They emphasize nature-based learning and community involvement, with regular parent communication and developmental progress tracking. The center is known for its warm, family-oriented atmosphere and experienced staff with backgrounds in early childhood education.
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Smugglers' Notch Child Care Center
Smugglers' Notch Resort
Located just minutes from Cambridge in Jeffersonville, Smugglers' Notch Child Care Center offers high-quality educational programs with a focus on outdoor exploration and environmental education. The center features state-licensed educators with specialized training in early childhood development. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, creative expression, and physical development through both structured activities and child-directed play. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and access to the resort's extensive recreational amenities. They maintain excellent safety protocols and offer flexible scheduling options for working families in the Cambridge area.
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Johnson State College Child Development Center
Northern Vermont University
The Johnson State College Child Development Center serves families throughout Lamoille County, including Cambridge residents. As a laboratory school affiliated with Northern Vermont University's education program, the center offers research-based curriculum and highly qualified staff including certified early childhood educators. Their approach combines emergent curriculum with structured learning activities, focusing on developmental milestones and school readiness. The facility features modern classrooms, observation areas for parent involvement, and natural outdoor learning environments. They maintain exceptional staff-to-child ratios and provide nutritious meals and snacks. The center is particularly noted for its innovative educational practices and strong parent partnership model.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Cambridge, VT
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Cambridge, VT, and how can I verify a provider's status?
In Cambridge, VT, all childcare programs caring for children from more than two unrelated families must be licensed by the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF), Child Development Division. This includes family child care homes and center-based programs. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. You can verify a provider's license status and view any compliance history through the DCF's online "Child Care Consumer Report" system. It's highly recommended to check this database and ask the provider directly for their current license certificate. Additionally, many providers in Lamoille County participate in Vermont's STARS (Step Ahead Recognition System), a quality rating system that goes beyond basic licensing.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers and in-home providers in the Cambridge area, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants and toddlers, waitlists for quality childcare in Cambridge and surrounding Lamoille County can be significant. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, or even longer for highly sought-after providers. For infant care, we strongly recommend beginning your search as early as your first trimester of pregnancy. For other ages, starting at least 6-9 months before your needed start date is prudent. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, get on multiple lists, and follow up periodically. Consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Jeffersonville, Underhill, or even St. Albans for more options.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in Cambridge, VT?
Childcare costs in Cambridge, VT, are generally in line with Vermont averages, which are among the highest in the nation relative to income. For full-time care (approximately 45-50 hours per week), you can expect to pay between $225 and $325 per week for a toddler in a family child care home. Infant care is typically more expensive, ranging from $250 to $350+ per week. Center-based care tends to be at the higher end of these ranges. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee (e.g., meals, snacks, supplies). To help with costs, explore Vermont's Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP), which provides subsidies to eligible families based on income and need.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available in the Cambridge, VT, area?
Yes, the Cambridge area, nestled near the Green Mountains and with abundant natural spaces, offers access to nature-based and outdoor-focused childcare options. Some local family child care providers and preschools emphasize daily outdoor play and exploration in all weather, following a "forest school" or nature immersion philosophy. There are also licensed programs that operate primarily outdoors. When inquiring with providers, ask specifically about their daily outdoor time policy, their use of natural materials, and if they have a dedicated outdoor classroom space. This approach aligns well with Vermont's landscape and can be a major benefit for children's development.
What resources are available in Cambridge to help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Your primary local resource is the Lamoille Family Center, located in nearby Morrisville. They offer free, personalized Child Care Referral services for Lamoille County residents. A referral specialist can provide you with a list of licensed providers matching your needs (age of child, hours, location), explain the STARS quality rating system, and guide you through the financial assistance application process. Additionally, the statewide website "Building Bright Futures" has regional data and resources. For hands-on evaluation, always schedule in-person tours, ask for references from current parents, and observe how caregivers interact with children during your visit.