Darien parent guide5 providers

Daycare Centers in Darien, CT

Compare 5 daycare programs in Darien, Fairfield County. Use licensing context, Google reviews where available, and provider details to decide which programs to contact.

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Before you call

How to compare daycare programs in Darien

Daily schedule

Ask about drop-off, pickup, naps, meals, outdoor time, and how the day is structured.

Age fit

Confirm the ages served, current openings, classroom groupings, and transition plans.

Records and visits

Review licensing context where available, then visit or call before making a final decision.

Local listings

Compare daycare programs in Darien

5 listings

ST LUKE'S PARISH SCHOOLGoogle listing

5.0★1 reviews

Licensed ✓

This Darien daycare provider has 1 Google review averaging 5.0 stars. State records list license DCCC.13245. Listed focus areas include infant and toddler care. A public website is listed at slpsdarien.org.

Infant and toddler care

(203) 655-4067

Website Is this your business?

THE GODDARD SCHOOLGoogle listing

5.0★4 reviews

Licensed ✓

This Darien daycare provider has 4 Google reviews averaging 5.0 stars. State records list license DCCC.70855. Listed focus areas include infant and toddler care. A public website is listed at goddardschool.com.

Infant and toddler care

(203) 636-0100

Website Is this your business?

HOLLY POND SCHOOL

Licensed ✓

HOLLY POND SCHOOL is a licensed child care center in DARIEN, CT with a capacity of 166 children. Accepts ages 2 years to 11 years. License verified and active through 2028.

Infant and toddler care

(203) 655-8228

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DARIEN NATURE CENTER

Licensed ✓

State records list license DCCC.70261. Listed focus areas include infant and toddler care. The listing includes a public address in Darien.

Infant and toddler care

(203) 655-7459

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NOROTON PRESBYTERIAN CHILD CAREGoogle listing

Licensed ✓

State records list license DCCC.16373. Listed focus areas include infant and toddler care. A public website is listed at npchildcare.org.

Infant and toddler care

(203) 309-5605

Website Is this your business?

Childcare Licensing in Darien

CT Office of Early Childhood (OEC) — Licensing Division

(860) 500-4412|Official Website

Licensing typically required. Most daycare providers in Darien must be licensed by the state. Verify that any provider you consider holds a current, valid license before enrolling your child.

All childcare providers in Fairfield County must be licensed by the CT Office of Early Childhood (OEC). Licensing types include Child Care Center, Group Child Care Home, and Family Child Care Home. Requirements include OEC licensing application, background checks (state and federal), health inspection, fire marshal approval, CPR/First Aid certification, and compliance with CT Early Learning and Development Standards. Verify any provider's license at elicense.ct.gov. Nanny agencies and private tutors are not required to hold state licenses in Connecticut.

Frequently Asked Questions

1How much does daycare cost in Darien?

Daycare in Darien typically costs $1200-$2400 per month. Infant care costs 20-40% more than toddler/preschool rates. Many centers offer sibling discounts of 10-15% and multi-day discounts for full-week enrollment. Infant rooms cost 20-40% more than toddler or preschool rooms because state ratios require more staff — CT requires 1 caregiver for every 4 infants, compared to 1:7 for preschool-age children.

2What are the staff-to-child ratios at daycare centers in Darien?

Connecticut's Office of Early Childhood (OEC) sets these ratios for licensed daycare centers: 1 caregiver per 4 infants (under 12 months), 1 per 4 one-year-olds, 1 per 5 two-year-olds (updated October 2024), 1 per 10 preschoolers (3–5 years), and 1 per 10 school-age children. Ask your Darien center for their actual staffing levels — ratios directly affect the quality of care your child receives.

3How do I choose a good daycare in Darien?

Visit in person during operating hours to observe the environment and how staff interact with children. Check that the center is licensed by CT OEC (portal.ct.gov/oec) and ask to see the current license posted at the entrance. Confirm actual staff-to-child ratios, ask about staff turnover and training requirements, and request references from current parents. Look for age-appropriate activities, clean facilities, and a structured daily schedule.

4What age can my child start daycare in Darien?

Most Darien daycare centers accept infants starting at 6 weeks old, though some begin at 3 months. Infant rooms have the lowest ratios and highest costs. Many parents find that starting between 3-6 months works well for their family's schedule and the child's developmental readiness.

5How do I verify a daycare's license in Darien?

Use the CT Office of Early Childhood licensing lookup at portal.ct.gov/oec to verify a center is currently licensed and check its inspection history. Licensed Darien centers must post their OEC license prominently. Connecticut also publishes Quality Counts ratings, which go beyond basic licensing to assess curriculum, staff qualifications, and family engagement — look for Care4Kids-accepted providers if you need subsidy assistance.

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