The Best Daycare Centers in Craftsbury Common, VT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Craftsbury Common. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Craftsbury Common
Craftsbury Children's Center
Independent
Craftsbury Children's Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility serving the Craftsbury community with a nature-based, play-centered curriculum. The center emphasizes outdoor education and hands-on learning experiences that take advantage of Vermont's natural environment. With low teacher-to-child ratios and experienced early childhood educators, they provide individualized attention and developmentally appropriate activities. The facility features spacious indoor classrooms and extensive outdoor play areas with gardens, nature trails, and natural play elements. Their program focuses on social-emotional development, creative expression, and building foundational skills through exploration and discovery.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located in nearby Morrisville (approximately 20 minutes from Craftsbury Common), The Goddard School offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. The school features state-of-the-art security systems, including keypad entry and comprehensive safety protocols. Their curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and physical development. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated spaces for music and movement. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development.
Daycare Services:
Stowe Early Care and Learning
Independent
Stowe Early Care and Learning, located approximately 25 minutes from Craftsbury Common, provides high-quality early childhood education with a focus on Reggio Emilia-inspired approaches. The center features bright, well-equipped classrooms designed to stimulate curiosity and learning through carefully prepared environments. Their emergent curriculum follows children's interests while ensuring coverage of essential developmental domains. The program emphasizes project-based learning, creative arts, and community engagement. The facility includes multiple outdoor learning environments, a commercial kitchen providing nutritious meals, and dedicated spaces for art, music, and gross motor activities. Staff maintain Vermont Early Childhood Program Approval and participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Craftsbury Common, VT
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in and around Craftsbury Common, VT?
In Craftsbury Common and the surrounding Orleans County area, you will primarily find two types of licensed childcare: Registered Family Child Care Homes and Licensed Centers. Given the rural nature of the town, Registered Family Child Care Homes are the most common. These are small, home-based programs run by a provider for up to 6 children (with no more than 2 under age 2). For center-based care, parents often look to nearby towns like Hardwick, Morrisville, or St. Johnsbury. All licensed providers in Vermont are regulated by the Department for Children and Families (DCF) Child Development Division. You can search for all licensed and registered programs through the state's online "Child Care Resource" database.
How far in advance should I put my child on a waitlist for daycare in Craftsbury Common?
Due to the limited number of providers in this rural region, planning ahead is crucial. For infant care, which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios, it is advisable to get on waitlists as soon as you know you are expecting, or at least 6-12 months before your needed start date. For toddler or preschool-age spots, a lead time of 3-6 months is recommended. Many popular family childcare homes in the Craftsbury area have very small capacities and may only have openings when an older child moves on to school, so establishing contact early and checking in periodically is key. Don't hesitate to get on multiple waitlists.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Craftsbury Common, and is there any financial assistance available?
While costs can vary, full-time care in a Registered Family Child Care Home in the Craftsbury area typically ranges from $175 to $250 per week. Center-based care in a neighboring town may be slightly higher. Vermont offers significant financial assistance through the Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP), which is income-based. Many families in Orleans County qualify for subsidies that dramatically reduce their weekly co-pay. It's essential to apply through the Department for Children and Families. Additionally, you may be eligible for federal tax credits. We recommend contacting the local Child Care Resource referral agency for the Northeast Kingdom for personalized help navigating these options.
Are there any nature- or farm-based preschool or childcare programs near Craftsbury Common?
Yes, the agricultural and outdoor culture of the Northeast Kingdom is reflected in its childcare options. While there may not be a program directly in Craftsbury Common, several nearby providers incorporate nature-based learning. For example, there are forest preschool programs and farm-based learning centers within a 30-minute drive in towns like Walden or Cabot. These programs emphasize outdoor play, animal husbandry, and garden activities in all seasons, which aligns perfectly with the local lifestyle. When researching providers, ask specifically about their daily outdoor time and curriculum focus to find a program that matches your values.
What should I look for when visiting a potential home-based daycare in this rural area?
When visiting a Registered Family Child Care Home in Craftsbury Common, beyond checking their valid DCF license, pay close attention to factors unique to a rural setting. Ask about their emergency protocols for severe weather (blizzards, power outages) and medical emergencies, given the distance to hospitals. Inquire about their outdoor play space and safety measures, as properties may be larger and near ponds or woods. Observe how the provider handles mixed-age groups, which is common in small home settings. Also, discuss their policy on school closures and delays, as they may follow the local Craftsbury Academy district schedule. A good provider will have clear plans for all these scenarios.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Craftsbury Common: