Shelton parent guide12 providers

Daycare Centers in Shelton, CT

Compare 12 daycare programs in Shelton, 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 Shelton

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 Shelton

12 listings

ONCE UPON A TIME DEVELOPMENT CENTERGoogle listing

5.0★2 reviews

Licensed ✓

This Shelton daycare provider has 2 Google reviews averaging 5.0 stars. State records list license DCCC.70749. Listed focus areas include infant and toddler care. A public website is listed at onceuponatimedc.com.

Infant and toddler care

(475) 882-2020

Website Is this your business?

HIDE OUTGoogle listing

5.0★1 reviews

Licensed ✓

This Shelton daycare provider has 1 Google review averaging 5.0 stars. State records list license DCCC.13814. The listing includes a public address in Shelton.

(203) 929-0744

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THE GODDARD SCHOOLGoogle listing

5.0★11 reviews

Licensed ✓

This Shelton daycare provider has 11 Google reviews averaging 5.0 stars. State records list license DCCC.70815. Listed focus areas include infant and toddler care. A public website is listed at goddardschool.com.

Infant and toddler care

(203) 263-1234

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SHELTON STRONG START EARLY CARE & EDUCATIONGoogle listing

4.5★33 reviews

Licensed ✓

This Shelton daycare provider has 33 Google reviews averaging 4.5 stars. State records list license DCCC.70555. Listed focus areas include infant and toddler care. A public website is listed at astrongstart.com.

Infant and toddler care

(203) 242-8233

Website Is this your business?

KID'S FIRST LEARNING CENTER- LONG HILL CROSS ROADGoogle listing

4.4★7 reviews

Licensed ✓

This Shelton daycare provider has 7 Google reviews averaging 4.4 stars. State records list license DCCC.16083. Listed focus areas include infant and toddler care. A public website is listed at kidsfirstlearningc.wixsite.com.

Infant and toddler care

(203) 926-9998

Website Is this your business?

KID'S FIRST LEARNING CENTER- LEAVENWORTH ROADGoogle listing

4.4★7 reviews

Licensed ✓

This Shelton daycare provider has 7 Google reviews averaging 4.4 stars. State records list license DCCC.15785. Listed focus areas include infant and toddler care. A public website is listed at kidsfirstlearningc.wixsite.com.

Infant and toddler care

(203) 926-9326

Website Is this your business?

BUNNY VILLAGE CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT CENTERGoogle listing

4.0★27 reviews

Licensed ✓

This Shelton daycare provider has 27 Google reviews averaging 4.0 stars. State records list license DCCC.70053. Listed focus areas include infant and toddler care. A public website is listed at bunnyvillage.com.

Infant and toddler care

(203) 924-2737

Website Is this your business?

A CHILD'S GARDEN- SHELTONGoogle listing

3.9★21 reviews

Licensed ✓

This Shelton daycare provider has 21 Google reviews averaging 3.9 stars. State records list license DCCC.15976. Listed focus areas include infant and toddler care. A public website is listed at achildsgarden.net.

Infant and toddler care

(203) 402-0334

Website Is this your business?

SMALL WORLD

Licensed ✓

State records list license DCCC.13866. Listed focus areas include infant and toddler care. The listing includes a public address in Shelton.

Infant and toddler care

(203) 929-5498

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KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERS #301792

Licensed ✓

State records list license DCCC.16021. Listed focus areas include infant and toddler care. The listing includes a public address in Shelton.

Infant and toddler care

(203) 944-0104

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BRIGHT HORIZONS CHILDRENS CTR @ ENTERPRISE CO TWR

Licensed ✓

State records list license DCCC.15402. Listed focus areas include infant and toddler care. The listing includes a public address in Shelton.

Infant and toddler care

(203) 926-1398

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TUTOR TIME CHILDCARE LEARNING CENTER - SHELTON

Licensed ✓

State records list license DCCC.70213. Listed focus areas include infant and toddler care. The listing includes a public address in Shelton.

Infant and toddler care

(203) 926-1126

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Childcare Licensing in Shelton

CT Office of Early Childhood (OEC) — Licensing Division

(860) 500-4412|Official Website

Licensing typically required. Most daycare providers in Shelton 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 Shelton?

Daycare in Shelton 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 Shelton?

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 Shelton center for their actual staffing levels — ratios directly affect the quality of care your child receives.

3How do I choose a good daycare in Shelton?

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 Shelton?

Most Shelton 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 Shelton?

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 Shelton 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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