The Best Daycare Centers in Granville, VT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Granville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Granville
The Mountain School at Winhall
The Mountain School at Winhall
The Mountain School at Winhall is a highly-regarded nature-based early childhood center located approximately 15 miles from Granville. This NAEYC-accredited facility offers a comprehensive educational program that emphasizes outdoor learning and environmental stewardship. Their curriculum integrates Vermont's Early Learning Standards with hands-on exploration in their 20-acre campus. The school features low teacher-to-child ratios (1:4 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers) and employs degreed early childhood educators. Facilities include dedicated age-appropriate classrooms, extensive outdoor play areas, and nature trails. The program focuses on social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM concepts through project-based learning. They provide nutritious meals and snacks following USDA guidelines and maintain rigorous safety protocols including secure entry systems and comprehensive staff background checks.
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Warren Village Preschool
Warren Village Preschool
Warren Village Preschool serves the Mad River Valley region including Granville families, located about 12 miles away. This community-focused center operates with a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum that aligns with Vermont's Early Learning Standards. The program emphasizes social skills, emotional regulation, and kindergarten readiness through structured and unstructured learning opportunities. Their experienced teaching staff includes educators with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and ongoing professional development. The facility features bright, well-equipped classrooms, an enclosed outdoor playground with natural elements, and dedicated art and music spaces. The center maintains excellent safety records with regular drills, secure check-in systems, and comprehensive health policies. Parent communication is prioritized through daily reports, regular conferences, and family engagement events.
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Small Fry Preschool
Small Fry Preschool
Small Fry Preschool in Waitsfield serves the broader Mad River Valley area including Granville, located approximately 10 miles away. This established center offers a balanced approach to early childhood education combining structured academic preparation with ample play-based learning. Their curriculum focuses on literacy development, mathematical thinking, and scientific exploration through hands-on activities. The center features small class sizes with excellent teacher-to-child ratios and employs qualified early childhood educators with specialized training in child development. Facilities include age-separated classrooms, a large motor skills room for indoor active play, and a secure outdoor playground designed for different developmental stages. The program emphasizes character development, conflict resolution skills, and community awareness. Safety is prioritized with secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety inspections. They offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Granville, VT
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Granville, VT, and how do I find them?
In Granville, Vermont, licensed childcare options primarily include Registered Family Child Care Homes (caring for up to 6 children in a provider's home) and Licensed Centers. Given Granville's rural nature in Addison County, Family Child Care Homes are a common and vital option. To find licensed providers, your best resource is the statewide online system, **Vermont’s Child Care Resource (CCR)**. You can search by town, zip code (05747), and type of care. Additionally, contacting the **Building Bright Futures Regional Council for Addison County** can provide local referrals and insights into availability, which can be limited in small towns like Granville.
What is the typical cost range for full-time infant or toddler daycare in Granville, and is there financial assistance available?
In Granville and the surrounding Addison County area, full-time infant care in a Family Child Care Home typically ranges from **$175 to $250 per week**, while toddler care may be slightly less, around **$160 to $225 per week**. Costs at a licensed center, which you might find in a nearby larger town, are often higher. 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 income, household size, and need. Many Granville families qualify for subsidies that dramatically reduce their out-of-pocket costs. It's crucial to apply for CCFAP early, as processing can take time.
Are waitlists common for daycare in Granville, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for childcare in Granville due to the limited number of providers serving a small population. For infant care, which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios, waitlists can be particularly long—often **6 to 12 months or more**. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move to Granville begin their search **as early as possible during pregnancy**. Contact providers directly to inquire about their current waitlist length and process. Being flexible with your start date and considering providers in neighboring towns like Hancock or Rochester can improve your chances of securing a spot.
What are Vermont's specific licensing and safety requirements for childcare providers that I should look for?
All licensed childcare providers in Vermont, including those in Granville, must adhere to strict regulations set by the **Vermont Child Development Division (CDD)**. Key requirements parents should verify include: comprehensive background checks for all staff, age-appropriate staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), ongoing professional development, safe sleep practices for infants (following AAP guidelines), emergency and evacuation plans, and regular health and safety inspections of the facility. You can view a provider's licensing record, including any compliance history, through the Vermont CCR website. Don't hesitate to ask a provider for their most recent licensing report.
Given Granville's rural location, are there any unique programs or resources for school-age childcare during summers and school breaks?
Securing school-age care in a rural town like Granville requires proactive planning. While dedicated after-school programs within the town are limited, there are important local and regional resources. First, check with the **Granville Village School** about any on-site or district-coordinated after-school programming. For summer and school breaks, many families utilize **day camps** offered in nearby towns such as Middlebury or Rutland, which may provide transportation options. Additionally, some licensed Family Child Care Homes in Granville accept school-age children for "wrap-around" care. The **Addison County Parent Child Center** is also a valuable resource for connecting families with school-age care options and potential shared care arrangements with other local families.