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The Best Daycare Centers in East Arlington, VT

Discover the best licensed daycare centers in East Arlington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.

Top Daycare Centers in East Arlington

1

Battenkill Valley Early Childhood Center

Independent

★★★★☆
4.8/5

Battenkill Valley Early Childhood Center is a highly-regarded nonprofit childcare facility serving the Arlington area, including East Arlington. They offer a comprehensive developmental curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional learning, literacy, and STEM activities. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, with all lead teachers holding early childhood education credentials. Their facility includes age-appropriate indoor learning environments and secure outdoor play spaces. The center is known for its strong parent communication system, nutritious meal program, and inclusive approach to early childhood education. They maintain excellent safety protocols and have built a reputation for creating a nurturing, educational environment for children from infancy through school age.

Experience:15 years
Reviews:42 parent reviews
2611 VT-313, Arlington, VT 05250

Daycare Services:

Infant CareToddler CarePreschoolPre-KBefore & After School Care
2

The Bennington School for Early Childhood

The Tutorial Center

★★★★☆
4.6/5

The Bennington School for Early Childhood provides high-quality childcare services to families throughout Bennington County, including East Arlington residents. They implement a research-based curriculum that focuses on whole-child development through play-based learning and structured activities. The center employs certified early childhood educators and specialists who provide individualized attention to each child's developmental needs. Their program includes comprehensive early intervention services, speech therapy, and occupational therapy on-site. The facility features modern security systems, dedicated age-specific classrooms, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. Parents consistently praise the center's professional staff, clean environment, and strong educational foundation.

Experience:12 years
Reviews:38 parent reviews
121 School Street, Bennington, VT 05201

Daycare Services:

Infant CareToddler CarePreschoolPre-KEarly Intervention Services
3

Manchester Early Learning Center

Independent

★★★★☆
4.7/5

Manchester Early Learning Center serves families throughout Southern Vermont, including East Arlington, with a comprehensive early childhood program. Their educational approach combines Montessori principles with Vermont's Early Learning Standards, creating a balanced curriculum that promotes independence, creativity, and academic readiness. The center features highly qualified teachers with advanced degrees in early childhood education and maintains exceptional staff retention rates. Their facility includes secure outdoor nature exploration areas, dedicated art and music rooms, and modern learning technology. The center is particularly noted for its strong literacy program, cultural enrichment activities, and emphasis on environmental education. They offer flexible scheduling and maintain excellent health and safety records with regular state licensing reviews.

Experience:18 years
Reviews:51 parent reviews
6035 Main Street, Manchester Center, VT 05255

Daycare Services:

Infant CareToddler CarePreschoolPre-KSummer Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about daycare and childcare services in East Arlington, VT

What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in East Arlington, VT, and are there any local financial assistance programs?

In East Arlington and the surrounding Bennington County area, full-time daycare for an infant can range from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, while toddler and preschool care typically costs between $900 and $1,300 per month. These rates are influenced by the type of provider (center-based vs. home-based) and the specific programs offered. Vermont offers significant financial assistance through the Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP), administered by the Department for Children and Families (DCF). Eligibility is based on family size and income, and many local providers in East Arlington are registered to accept this subsidy. Additionally, it's worth inquiring directly with providers about any sliding scale fees or sibling discounts they may offer.

How long are waitlists for licensed childcare centers and family childcare homes in East Arlington, and what can I do to secure a spot?

Waitlists in East Arlington and the broader region can be substantial, often ranging from 6 to 18 months, especially for infant care slots which are in very high demand. Many reputable centers and licensed home providers in the Arlington School District area maintain ongoing lists. To improve your chances, we recommend contacting providers as early as possible—even during pregnancy. Get on multiple lists, and be sure to follow up every few months to confirm your interest is still active. Exploring options in nearby towns like Manchester, Shaftsbury, or Bennington can also increase your availability of choices, though this may involve a longer commute.

What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Vermont, and how can I verify a provider's compliance in East Arlington?

All childcare providers in Vermont caring for more than one unrelated family must be licensed or registered with the Vermont Child Development Division (CDD). Licensed centers and family childcare homes must meet strict standards for staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, safety, health, and programming. You can verify a provider's license status, view their compliance history, and read any licensing reports through the public "Child Care Consumer Report" search tool on the Vermont Department for Children and Families website. When researching an East Arlington provider, we recommend checking this database and asking the provider directly for their license number and their most recent inspection report.

Are there any nature- or farm-based preschool programs available near East Arlington, given the rural setting?

Yes, the rural character of East Arlington and surrounding areas supports several unique childcare options with an outdoor focus. While there may not be a program directly within the village, several nearby options are accessible. For example, there are forest preschool programs and nature-based childcare homes in the Northshire region (Manchester/Dorset area) and Southern Vermont. Some local family farms also offer seasonal or part-time "farm school" programs for preschoolers. We recommend searching the Vermont CDD provider database using filters for your desired age group and contacting the Bennington County Early Childhood Directors Alliance for the most current recommendations on these specialized programs.

What should I look for when touring a daycare facility or family childcare home in East Arlington, especially regarding safety and emergency preparedness?

When touring a provider in East Arlington, ask specific questions about their protocols for the rural environment. Key safety points include: their evacuation plan for severe weather or fires and where children would be relocated; their policy on well water testing (if applicable); how they secure the property, especially if near wooded areas or roads; and their plan for communication during power outages, which can be more common in rural Vermont. Also, observe if outdoor play areas are fully fenced and free of hazards. All licensed providers are required to have these plans, but a high-quality provider will be able to discuss them confidently and show you items like first-aid kits, emergency contact lists, and posted evacuation routes.

Nearby Cities

Explore daycare options in cities near East Arlington: