The Best Daycare Centers in Montgomery, VT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Montgomery. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Montgomery
Enosburg Falls Child Care Center
Enosburg Falls Child Care Center
Enosburg Falls Child Care Center is a highly-regarded nonprofit facility serving Franklin County families with comprehensive early childhood education programs. The center follows a play-based learning approach combined with structured educational activities that align with Vermont's Early Learning Standards. Their experienced teaching staff includes educators with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and extensive professional development training. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and emphasizes nature-based learning through their forest school components. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and prioritize individualized attention for each child's developmental needs.
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Little Sprouts Child Care
Little Sprouts Child Care
Little Sprouts Child Care in St. Albans serves families throughout Franklin County with a comprehensive early education program that emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness. Their curriculum incorporates Montessori-inspired elements with traditional early childhood education practices. The center features certified teachers with specialized training in early literacy and STEM education for young children. Safety protocols include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular safety drills. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, and spacious outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups.
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Northern Lights at Johnson State College
Northern Lights Collaborative
Northern Lights at Johnson State College is a five-star rated early childhood education center that serves families throughout Lamoille County and surrounding areas. As part of the respected Northern Lights Collaborative network, this center offers research-based curriculum aligned with Vermont's Early Learning Standards and NAEYC guidelines. The facility benefits from its college campus location, providing access to educational resources and student teachers from the early childhood education program. Their highly qualified teaching staff includes master teachers with advanced degrees and specialized training in inclusive education practices. The center features state-of-the-art learning environments, natural outdoor classrooms, and comprehensive nutritional programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Montgomery, VT
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Montgomery, VT, and how can I verify a provider's status?
In Vermont, all childcare programs caring for children from more than two unrelated families must be licensed or registered by the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF), Child Development Division. This includes family childcare homes, centers, and preschools. Licensing ensures providers meet health, safety, and program quality standards. To verify a provider's status in the Montgomery area, you can use the State of Vermont's online **Child Care Consumer Search** tool. This database shows licensing status, any compliance history, capacity, and ages served. You can also contact the Northern DCF Field Office directly for information. Always ask to see a provider's current license during your visit.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers or in-home providers in Montgomery, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to limited childcare options in rural towns like Montgomery, waitlists can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 18 months, especially for infant and toddler care. It's highly recommended to begin your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. To improve your chances, get on multiple waitlists at both licensed centers (though there are few directly in Montgomery) and registered family childcare homes in Montgomery and surrounding towns like Enosburg Falls or Richford. Be proactive—check in every few months to confirm your spot on the list and express continued interest. Exploring options with licensed family providers in neighboring towns is often necessary.
What financial assistance programs are available to help with childcare costs in Montgomery, VT?
The primary program is Vermont's **Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP)**, administered by the DCF. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and need (work, school, or training). Many families in Franklin County qualify for sliding-scale subsidies that significantly reduce weekly co-pays. You apply through the **Benefind** portal. Additionally, you may inquire with specific providers about any private scholarships or sliding-scale fees they offer. For school-age care, check with the Montgomery Elementary School or the local supervisory union about potential after-school programs. The Vermont 211 service is also a great resource for connecting to all available local assistance.
Are there any nature- or farm-based preschool or childcare options in the Montgomery area?
Yes, the rural and agricultural character of Montgomery and surrounding Franklin County has inspired unique childcare models. While there may not be a formal "forest school" directly in Montgomery, several licensed family childcare providers in the area integrate extensive outdoor play, gardening, and animal interactions into their daily routines. Furthermore, you may find programs in nearby communities that operate with a strong outdoor philosophy. We recommend using the state's Child Care Consumer Search tool and filtering for programs in Franklin County, then calling to ask specifically about their outdoor curriculum and access to natural spaces. This is a popular approach in Vermont's childcare community.
What should I look for when touring a home-based childcare in a rural setting like Montgomery?
Touring a family childcare home requires attention to both standard safety and rural-specific factors. First, confirm their DCF license is posted. Key things to look for include: a safe, designated outdoor play area that is securely fenced, especially important in rural areas with potential for wildlife or stray animals; protocols for severe weather and power outages common in Vermont; safe storage of any tools, machinery, or animal feed; and their transportation and field trip policies for local outings. Ask about their emergency plan for medical situations, given potentially longer EMS response times. Also, observe how the provider engages children with the natural environment safely—a major benefit of rural childcare.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Montgomery: