The Best Daycare Centers in East Barre, VT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in East Barre. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in East Barre
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Berlin offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Their play-based curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and physical development. All teachers are highly qualified with degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the facility features secure entry systems, comprehensive safety protocols, and age-appropriate learning environments. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides regular parent communication through daily reports and digital updates.
Daycare Services:
Little Lambs Christian Child Care
Independent
Little Lambs Christian Child Care in Barre provides a nurturing, faith-based environment with a comprehensive early learning curriculum. Their program integrates Christian values with developmentally appropriate practices, focusing on social-emotional development, early literacy, and kindergarten readiness. The center features experienced caregivers with CPR and first aid certification, secure facilities with controlled access, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the warm, family-like atmosphere and the individualized attention children receive. The curriculum includes structured learning activities, creative play, outdoor recreation, and character development.
Daycare Services:
Children's Castle
Independent
Children's Castle in Montpelier offers a comprehensive early childhood program with a play-based, emergent curriculum that follows children's interests while meeting developmental milestones. Their experienced teaching staff includes educators with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and ongoing professional development. The facility features secure, age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play spaces, and a focus on hands-on learning through centers for art, science, literacy, and dramatic play. The center emphasizes social skills development, emotional intelligence, and school readiness through a balanced approach of structured activities and child-directed exploration.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in East Barre, VT
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in East Barre, VT, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In East Barre and the surrounding Washington County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $250 to $350 per week, while care for a toddler or preschooler is generally between $200 and $300 per week. These costs can vary based on the type of provider (center-based vs. home-based), the specific program's offerings, and the child's age. For financial assistance, Vermont's Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) is the primary resource for eligible families, helping to subsidize costs based on income, family size, and need. Additionally, local organizations like Capstone Community Action, which serves the Central Vermont region, can provide guidance and support in accessing these subsidies and other potential aid.
How can I verify that a daycare or childcare provider in East Barre is properly licensed and in good standing with the state?
All regulated childcare providers in Vermont must be licensed or registered through the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF), Child Development Division. To verify a provider's status, you can use the state's online "Child Care Provider Search" tool on the DCF website. This tool allows you to search by location (including East Barre), provider name, or type, and it displays their current license status, capacity, ages served, and any history of regulatory violations or complaints. You can also contact the Northern Regional Child Care Resource and Referral agency, which serves Washington County, for personalized help in finding and vetting licensed providers.
What is the current availability and waitlist situation for daycare centers and home-based providers in East Barre?
Due to high demand and limited supply, securing a childcare spot in East Barre and Central Vermont often requires planning well in advance. Many licensed centers and quality home-based providers have waitlists, especially for infants and toddlers, which can range from several months to over a year. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, even during pregnancy. While East Barre itself has a small number of dedicated providers, expanding your search to nearby towns like Barre City, Montpelier, or Websterville can increase options. Regularly following up with providers on your list is key, as spots can occasionally open up unexpectedly.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available in the East Barre area?
Yes, the rural and natural landscape of Central Vermont supports a growing interest in nature-based early education. While there may not be a dedicated forest school directly in East Barre, several providers in the region incorporate significant outdoor play and learning into their daily routines, taking advantage of Vermont's seasons. Furthermore, nearby centers in Barre and Montpelier may offer programs with gardens, trails, and regular outdoor exploration. To find these options, specify your interest in "nature-based" or "outdoor-focused" programs when contacting local referral services like Let's Grow Kids or the Northern Resource Center. Some family childcare homes in the area also provide a more home-like setting with ample outdoor space.
What are the options for before- and after-school care for school-age children in East Barre?
For school-age children attending the Barre Unified Union School District (which includes East Barre), structured before- and after-school programs are often available directly through the elementary schools or in close partnership with community organizations. The Barre Town Middle and Elementary School, for instance, may host or have information on such programs. Additionally, local daycare centers and some licensed family childcare homes in the area offer school-age care that includes transportation to and from school. It's important to contact the school district's administrative office or the Washington Central Supervisory Union for the most current list of approved providers and program details, as offerings can change annually. Local YMCA branches and boys & girls clubs in nearby Barre or Montpelier may also provide bus service for after-school care.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near East Barre: